| |
|
 |
|
More than 1.2 Million people in the United States are diagnosed with skin
cancer each year. A diagnosis of skin cancer
is a cause for concern. If left untreated,
the disease can continue to progress. However,
it should not be a cause for panic. Skin cancer
is not necessarily life threatening nor does
its therapy have to be disfiguring. Advanced
treatments are available that offer the highest
potential for cure while minimizing the cosmetic
impact (even if previous treatments have failed).
Not all treatments for skin cancer are equal.
Options range from common treatments offered by many physicians such as
scraping and burning, freezing, radiation, and routine excision, to Mohs
surgery, an advanced surgical technique performed by a highly trained specialist.
You should be aware of the benefits and drawbacks of various options and
choose the treatment that will remove all the cancer, minimize the risk
of recurrence, and leave as little scarring as possible.
It is important to recognize that not all cancer cells are apparent to the
naked eye. Many "invisible" cells may form roots or "fingers"
of diseased tissue that can extend beyond the boundaries of the visible
cancer. If these cancer cells are not completely removed, they can lead
to regrowth and recurrence of the tumor. The types of cancer which most
likely form these complicated root systems are those located in cosmetically
sensitive or functionally critical areas (around the eyes, nose, lips, or
scalp), grow rapidly and/or uncontrollably, or have been previously treated.
For these cancers, common treatment methods are often not successful because
they rely on the human eye to determine the extent of the cancer. These
methods may remove too little cancer, causing a recurrence requiring an
additional surgery (not to mention unnecessary scarring). The scar tissue
surrounding a recurrent cancer makes it extremely challenging to differentiate
between healthy skin and cancerous tissue and further complicated the determination
of how much tissue to remove. The likelihood of curing a recurring cancer
once again (using one of the common methods) is unlikely.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is state-of-the-art treatment for skin cancer
in which the physician serves as surgeon, pathologist, and reconstructive
surgeon. It relies on the precision and accuracy of a microscope to trace
and ensure the removal of skin cancer, down to its roots. Of all treatments
for skin cancer, Mohs micrographic surgery offers the highest cure rate
(up to 99% based on data for treating basal and squamous cell carcinoma),
has the lowest chance of regrowth, mimizes the potential for scarring or
disfigurement, and is the most exact and precise means of removal. Quick
Resolution and Rapid Recovery Mohs micrographic surgery is usually performed
on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia. The healing process is similar
to that of most surgical procedures.
For decades, Mohs Micrographic surgery has proven effective in getting to
the roots of skin cancer by combining the surgical removal of cancer with
the immediate microscopic examination of the tumor and underlying diseased
tissue. This process allows dermatologists trained in Mohs surgery to see
beyond the visible disease and precisely identify and remove the entire
tumor and nothing but the tumor. Mohs surgeons are dermatologists who have
extensive knowledge of the skin and its healing properties, as well as training
in reconstructive surgery. They are best suited to understand wound management,
which helps produce the best cosmetic result. Most Mohs surgeons will perform
the reconstructive surgery necessary to repair the wound at the time of
surgery.
Mohs micrographic surgery is effective for most types of skin cancer, but
is most commonly used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Mohs
surgery is the treament of choice when the cancer is large, the edges of
the cancer cannot be clearly defined, the cancer is in an area of the body
where it is important to preserve healthy tissue for the maximum functional
and cosmetic result, likely to recur if treated by common methods (eyelids,
nose, ears, lips), or prior treatment has failed. |
During your office consultation you will be provided with a detailed plan
of the treatments that will benefit you most. Please contact
us with any questions you may have or schedule
an appointment online for a consultation.
Join the LA Laser Center Mailing List
Our periodic newsletters include exclusive offers, educational articles,
as well as free treatment & product drawings! |
 |
[ Back to the Top ] |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
