An Introduction to Mohs Surgery
The most advanced and effective procedure to treat skin cancer is one you may not have even heard of. And it’s not going away—so stay informed about Mohs surgery, a treatment option that breaks more ground by the day.
Mohs surgery, the removal of cancerous tissue via methods that are startlingly precise, was named after its founder, Frederick E. Mohs. From 1929 to 1934, Mohs worked as medical student, conducting cancer research projects with his mentor, Michael Guyer. He discovered how to use microscopic techniques to pinpoint and map cancer surrounding difficult areas like nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. He was then able to remove the area through excision, a technique that developed into Mohs surgery today.
It’s most likely that Mohs surgery is not well-known because not all dermatology clinics are equipped with staff members who are trained to handle it. Certification for this highly advanced procedure extends beyond typical Board Certification; physicians must be Fellowship-trained, which involves an extensive program that takes place after a physician completes his or her residency in dermatology. Fellowship training is a one- to two-year program during which the physician must participate in a minimum of 500 Mohs surgery cases, perform an inclusive variety of reconstructions, and more.
During a Mohs procedure, skin is surgically removed layer by layer. It is then examined under a microscope until healthy skin—called the clear margins—is identified. Because of the precision of the technique, an entire tumor can be removed without harm to the surrounding area. Mohs surgery is especially ideal for the removal of large tumors and skin cancer that appears near the face or other delicate areas.
The advantages of Mohs surgery are extensive, not just because of its high success rate—up to 99%—but also because it minimizes the amount of healthy tissue that is lost. This is more likely to increase the chances that your skin will rebound quickly, while the cosmetic or aesthetic implications of surgery decrease. Psychologically, patients find it reassuring that their cancer can be treated with a single procedure rather than being subjected to the uncertainty of multiple procedures that may not work.
In fact, one of the only regularly cited drawbacks to Mohs surgery is the cost. The initial procedure can often be quite expensive due to the number of people who are “on deck” during a Mohs surgery. However, many people find that because Mohs is a single surgery, its cost is eventually on par with other treatment methods.
If you have skin cancer or you know someone who does, do your research before choosing Mohs surgery; if you do choose this procedure, make sure it’s with a Fellowship-trained surgeon. Treatment options are always a personal choice. By learning about the variety of options that are available, you’re choosing to fight cancer with a very important weapon: knowledge.
Ann Washburn is a blogger and skincare enthusiast who writes for Torrey Pines Dermatology.
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