If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer or are concerned about a suspicious mole or skin lesion, you may feel a sense of anxiety. Luckily, medicine has numerous treatment options; one of the most effective for certain types of skin cancers is Mohs surgery. But what is Mohs surgery, and what will it do for you? This blog will dive into all of the information regarding Mohs surgery, from the procedure itself to why it is so beneficial.
Mohs surgery is a unique treatment used to eliminate skin cancer while at the same time maintaining healthy tissue as much as possible. It is one of the most precise procedures for treating certain skin cancers, such as those on the face and in areas where cosmetic concerns are important. In Branson, MO, Mohs surgery has been a reliable procedure for individuals with skin cancer for quite some time.
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a unique surgical technique developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs to remove skin cancer. It is the most commonly utilized method of skin cancer treatment for basal and squamous cell carcinoma, which are the most common skin cancers. During Mohs surgery, thin layers of cancerous tissue are surgically removed and evaluated under a microscope until healthy tissue remains.
One reason Mohs surgery in Branson, MO is extremely effective is that it offers extreme precision when removing cancerous cells and minimally damages healthy tissue. This is especially important when cancerous cells appear on the face, hands, or other regions that raise aesthetic concerns.
Why Mohs Surgery May Be the Best Option for You
If you are located in Branson, MO, or in a nearby region and have been diagnosed with skin cancer, you may be questioning whether Mohs surgery is right for you. The following is why Mohs surgery might be the right choice for many individuals:
- Success Rate: One of the highest cure rates for skin cancer is with Mohs surgery, with success rates as high as 99% for some skin cancers.
- Less Scarring: Because only diseased tissue is removed during Mohs surgery, there is often less scarring than with other surgical procedures and a better cosmetic outcome.
- Accurate Targeting: Mohs surgery has been shown to target specific cancer cells, leaving healthy skin tissue surrounding the diseased area untouched and therefore avoiding additional surgeries in the long run.
For patients in Branson, MO, who are concerned about the impact of skin cancer removal on their appearance, Mohs surgery offers the dual benefit of effective cancer removal and a focus on preserving the skin’s aesthetic integrity.
The Mohs Surgery Process: What to Expect
Mohs surgery in Branson, MO, is usually an outpatient procedure performed in stages. The general outline is as follows:
- Preparation: Local anesthesia is used to numb the skin around the tumor. The patient remains awake throughout the procedure.
- Tissue Removal: A thin layer of the cancerous tissue is removed and then examined under a microscope for cancer cells.
- Microscopic Examination: Cancer cells are found in the removed layer. A further layer of tissue is removed and inspected, and this continues until no cancerous cells remain.
- Wound Repair: Once the cancerous tissue has been entirely removed, options for closing the wound will be discussed with the patient. This may involve stitching the wound closed or leaving it to heal on its own, depending on its size and location.
Although the process may seem long, Mohs surgery offers greater accuracy, reduces the likelihood of further treatment, and yields better cosmetic results than some other treatment options for skin cancer.
Benefits of Mohs Surgery Compared to Other Treatments
Though it’s not the right treatment for all forms of skin cancer, there are significant advantages to undergoing Mohs surgery compared to traditional excision or radiation treatment methods:
- Higher Accuracy: The ability to see all removed layers of skin under a microscope means that even cancerous cells not immediately visible can be destroyed, ensuring greater certainty that the tumor has been fully removed.
- Less Tissue Removal: A minimal amount of healthy tissue is removed compared to alternative treatments. This means the result has far less scarring and a more appealing cosmetic outcome, which is particularly important for cancers of the facial skin.
- Fewer Repeat Treatments: Mohs surgery has a high cure rate, meaning it can usually be a one-time treatment, whereas alternative treatments might require repeated treatments or be supplemented with further surgery, such as radiation.
In Branson, MO, where many people value not only their health but also their appearance, Mohs surgery offers effective cancer treatment with minimal cosmetic impact.
Is Mohs Surgery Right for Me?
Unfortunately, not all skin cancers are suitable for Mohs surgery. A surgeon generally recommends Mohs for the following types of skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Skin cancer that has recurred after previous treatments
- Cancers found in areas that require preservation of healthy skin (face, hands, genitals, etc.)
If you have been diagnosed with a type of skin cancer listed above, or if your skin cancer is found on a cosmetic site where preserving the integrity of your skin is important, Mohs surgery may be the perfect solution.
Why Select Dermatology & Mohs for Treatment in Branson, MO
At Dermatology & Mohs, we offer the most precise surgical treatment for skin cancer in the Branson area. Our team is trained to perform Mohs surgery to remove your cancer while minimizing scarring and, at times, eliminating scarring. If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer or suspect that you may have an undiagnosed skin lesion, call our office to learn more about Mohs surgery or to book a skin exam appointment today.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Skin Cancer Today
Skin cancer, no matter what type, should not be taken lightly. If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer or are concerned about the condition, we strongly suggest you consider Mohs surgery in Branson, MO. It offers a nearly unmatched cure rate and incredible cosmetic benefits when compared to other skin cancer removal treatments. We at Dermatology & Mohs are passionate about giving you high-quality care.
Call us today to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help treat your skin cancer and restore your skin’s appearance.
Common Questions About Mohs Surgery
1. How long does Mohs surgery take?
The procedure can take anywhere from one to several hours, depending on the size and location of the cancer.
2. Is Mohs surgery painful?
Mohs surgery is generally well-tolerated, with local anesthesia used to numb the area. Some discomfort may occur after the anesthesia wears off.
3. How much scarring will I have after Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery aims to minimize scarring by removing only the cancerous tissue and preserving healthy skin.
4. What happens after Mohs surgery?
You may experience some swelling, bruising, or discomfort after the procedure. Follow-up care will be provided to ensure proper healing.