Treating Recurrent Skin Cancer with Mohs Surgery
- Posted on: Jul 15 2024
Skin cancer can be a persistent issue, often returning even after treatment. Recurrent skin cancer is a serious concern that needs effective solutions. Mohs surgery offers a precise method to treat these recurrences, reducing the chance of return.
Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial to managing skin cancer effectively. Learn how Mohs surgery can be your best option for treating recurrent skin cancer.
What is Skin Cancer Recurrence?
Skin cancer recurrence means that the cancer has returned after treatment. Certain types of skin cancer, like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, are more likely to recur.
Common causes of recurrence include incomplete removal of the original tumor, genetic factors, and continued exposure to risk factors like UV radiation. Understanding these factors is essential to managing and preventing recurrence effectively.
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery, named after Dr. Frederic E. Mohs of the University of Wisconsin, is a precise method to treat certain types of skin cancer. This technique involves the dermatologist performing both the surgical removal of the cancer and a microscopic examination of the margins to ensure all cancer cells are removed.
Procedure Steps:
- The surgeon removes a thin layer of cancerous tissue, ensuring minimal removal of surrounding healthy tissue in the process.
- Each tissue layer is carefully examined under a microscope to check for remaining cancer cells.
- The process is repeated until no cancer cells are detected, ensuring complete removal of the cancer.
Benefits of Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is highly effective in treating recurrent skin cancer. Key benefits are:
- Mohs surgery has a high success rate, ensuring thorough removal of all cancer cells to prevent recurrence. It has a 99% success rate.
- This precise technique removes only cancerous tissue, preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
- Mohs surgery minimizes scarring, an ideal option for visible areas like the face.
- Each layer of removed tissue is examined microscopically, ensuring no cancer cells are left behind.
Book Your Skin Cancer Consultation in Peachtree Corners, GA
Dealing with recurrent skin cancer can be challenging, but the experienced team at the American Society of Mohs Surgery in Peachtree Corners, GA, is here to provide information and help. Call us at 785-783-2070 or schedule a consultation to explore your treatment options.
Posted in: MOHS Surgery
