Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers that are diagnosed throughout the United States. Though usually curable if found early, skin cancer can be very serious when it recurs. When a skin cancer returns after treatment, it may be harder to treat, especially if it occurs in a cosmetically sensitive area such as the face or ears.
For persons experiencing recurrent skin cancer, Mohs surgery can be the most superior mode of treatment. This blog will highlight why this type of surgery is effective in treating people suffering from melanoma or any other kind of skin cancer that has recurred.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a very effective treatment for skin cancers, especially in challenging or recurrent situations. This technique was invented by Dr. Frederic Mohs in the 1930s and, over the years, gained a status as the gold standard in treating certain forms of skin cancer, most notably basal and squamous cell carcinoma. However, it is also applied to melanoma and other skin cancers that have recurred after treatment.
Unlike traditional excisional surgery, where the surgeon removes a chunk of skin around the tumor and sends it to a lab for analysis, Mohs surgery is performed in steps: each layer of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope until no cancerous cells remain. This can preserve the maximum amount of healthy tissue, thus making Mohs surgery in Missouri extremely precise and effective in sensitive areas.
Why Is Mohs Surgery Ideal For Recurrent Skin Cancer?
Recurrence may signify that the previous treatment has not eliminated all the cancerous cells. This can be a potential problem, especially in sensitive areas of the body, like the nose, ears, or around the eyes.
Mohs surgery for melanoma or any form of skin cancer provides dermatologists with an opportunity to remove layers of cancerous tissue while making sure that no trace of cancer is left behind, conserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Here are a few reasons why Mohs surgery is ideal for recurrent cases:
1. Precision And Accuracy
One of the biggest benefits of Mohs surgery is its precision. By examining each layer of tissue underneath a microscope, a surgeon has complete assurance that all cancerous cells are removed, which minimizes the rate of recurrence. This is especially important when the cancer has recurred to ensure that no residual cells are left behind.
2. Minimal Scarring
Because Mohs surgery removes only the cancerous tissue and spares the healthy tissue surrounding the cancerous growth, the site is often smaller, which means less scarring. The latter is a big plus for patients with recurring skin cancers on visible parts of the body, like the face. This kind of surgery helps preserve the appearance while effectively treating the cancer.
3. High Cure Rates
Mohs surgery has the highest skin cancer cure rate and can successfully work against the toughest skin cancers. In fact, Mohs surgery has up to a 99% cure rate for non-recurrent skin cancers and is highly effective against recurrent skin cancers. Therefore, it forms the treatment of choice in patients with recurring skin cancers.
4. Quick Recovery Time
Compared to the traditional skin cancer treatments, Mohs surgery near you generally has a faster recovery period. It can be done on an outpatient basis, and in most cases, patients are able to return to their usual activities within a few days, depending on the size and location of the treated area.
How Mohs Surgery Works?
The process of Mohs surgery involves a few steps. The key steps of this process are given serially:
- Local Anesthesia: The region around the skin cancer is anesthetized by a local anesthetic.
- Tissue Removal: The surgeon removes the first layer of tissue that contains the cancer.
- Microscopic examination: The tissue is observed under a microscope to check whether there are cancerous cells.
- Further Removal: This is done when cancerous cells remain. Another layer is removed and checked, and the process continues until all the cancerous cells are removed.
- Closure: After the cancer is completely removed, the wound is closed, either by stitching it up or leaving the skin to heal on its own.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
The procedure takes anywhere between a single hour and several hours, depending on the size and site of the tumor. Although Mohs surgery is minimally invasive, some swelling, redness, or tenderness may be present around the treated area.
Following after-care instructions provided by your doctor ideally assists in healing and preventing infection.
When Should You Consider Mohs Surgery?
Recurrent cases or cases that have not responded to any other mode of treatment are indications for Mohs surgery. Cancers around the eyes and nose are amenable to this form of treatment because the skin and structures around them are very sensitive.
If you have just been diagnosed with skin cancer that is recurring or is located in an area that is challenging to treat, then Mohs surgery can provide you with an effective treatment option in Missouri.
Recurrent Skin Cancer: Proper Care With Mohs Surgery
If you have recurrent skin cancer, you will want to see a dermatologist who has been specially trained in Mohs surgery for melanoma and other types of skin cancers. At the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, our medical team is dedicated to effective treatments on your journey with skin cancer, with precision and care.
Do not wait for that skin cancer to return again. Come see us today and take your first step toward permanent results with Mohs surgery. Get the best treatment and protect your skin, protect your health!