Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, affecting millions of people each year. Early detection and treatment are crucial for successful outcomes. Mohs surgery is one of the most effective treatments for certain types of skin cancer. At Owensboro Dermatology, we specialize in this precise and highly effective surgical technique. This comprehensive guide will explore the different types of skin cancer treated by Mohs surgery, the procedure itself, and why it is considered one of the best treatment options.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the skin grow uncontrollably. It typically develops in areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, hands, and arms, but it can also occur in less exposed areas. There are several types of skin cancer, each with distinct characteristics and treatment approaches.
Types of Skin Cancer
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type of skin cancer, BCC, originates in the basal cells, which are found in the lowest layer of the epidermis. BCC is typically slow-growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The second most common type of skin cancer, SCC, begins in the squamous cells, which comprise the middle and outer layers of the skin. SCC can grow more rapidly than BCC and has a higher potential to spread to other body parts if not treated promptly.
- Melanoma: This is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It develops in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanoma can spread rapidly to other body parts and requires early detection and aggressive treatment.
- Other Types: There are several less common types of skin cancer, including Merkel cell carcinoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and sebaceous carcinoma. These types are rarer but can be equally severe and require specialized treatment.
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a specialized surgical technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer. Developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs in the 1930s, this procedure is known for its precision and high cure rates. It involves systematically removing and examining cancerous tissue, layer by layer until only healthy tissue remains. This method ensures complete cancer removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
The Mohs Surgery Procedure
- Preparation: The area to be treated is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. The patient remains awake and comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Removal of Cancerous Tissue: The surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue from the affected area. This layer is divided into sections, carefully mapped, and color-coded to ensure precise tracking.
- Microscopic Examination: The removed tissue is frozen, cut into thin slices, and examined under a microscope. The surgeon checks for cancer cells at the margins (edges) of the tissue.
- Additional Layers: If cancer cells are detected at the margins, the surgeon removes another thin layer of tissue from the affected area. This process is repeated until no cancer cells are found.
- Reconstruction: Once the cancerous tissue has been completely removed, the surgeon may reconstruct the wound, depending on its size and location. This can involve simple sutures, skin grafts, or flaps.
Advantages of Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery offers several advantages over other skin cancer treatment methods:
- High Cure Rate: Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment, with up to 99% success for BCC and SCC.
- Tissue Preservation: The procedure removes only cancerous tissue, sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. This is particularly important for cosmetically sensitive areas like the face.
- Immediate Results: The microscopic examination is performed on-site during the procedure, allowing the surgeon to confirm complete cancer removal before the patient leaves.
- Minimal Scarring: Because Mohs surgery removes only the affected tissue, it often produces less scarring than other surgical methods.
Types of Skin Cancer Treated by Mohs Surgery
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer treated with Mohs surgery. BCC typically appears as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat lesion, or a scar-like area on sun-exposed skin. Mohs surgery is particularly effective for BCC because:
- It allows for the complete removal of cancerous cells while preserving healthy tissue.
- It is ideal for treating BCCs in cosmetically and functionally critical areas, such as the face, ears, and neck.
- It minimizes the risk of recurrence, which is essential for aggressive or recurrent BCCs.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer treated with Mohs surgery. SCC often presents as a red, scaly patch, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a firm, dome-shaped nodule. Mohs surgery is advantageous for treating SCC because:
- It ensures the complete removal of the cancerous tissue, which is crucial for preventing metastasis (spread) to other body parts.
- It is effective for SCCs in high-risk areas or those with aggressive growth patterns.
- It offers high cure rates, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
Melanoma
While melanoma is less commonly treated with Mohs surgery than BCC and SCC, some instances of melanoma in situ (early-stage melanoma) or lentigo maligna (a type of melanoma developing in sun-damaged skin) can benefit from this technique. Mohs surgery for melanoma involves:
- Using specialized stains and techniques to identify and remove melanoma cells.
- Ensuring clear margins to reduce the risk of recurrence and spread.
- Preserving healthy tissue is especially important for melanomas on the face or other sensitive areas.
Other Skin Cancers
Mohs surgery can also be used to treat other less common types of skin cancer, including:
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that requires precise removal to prevent spread.
- Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP): A rare cancer that develops in the deeper layers of the skin and can be effectively treated with Mohs surgery to ensure clear margins.
- Sebaceous Carcinoma: An uncommon cancer from the sebaceous (oil) glands, often treated with Mohs surgery to achieve complete removal.
Why Choose Mohs Surgery at Owensboro Dermatology?
At Owensboro Dermatology, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for patients with skin cancer. Our team of experienced dermatologic surgeons specializes in Mohs surgery, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients. Here are some reasons to choose us for your skin cancer treatment:
Expertise
Our dermatologic surgeons have extensive training and experience in performing Mohs surgery. We stay updated with the latest advancements in the field to provide the most effective and cutting-edge treatments.
Comprehensive Care
From diagnosis to treatment and follow-up, we offer comprehensive care for all types of skin cancer. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures you receive personalized and coordinated care tailored to your needs.
State-of-the-Art Facility
Our state-of-the-art facility has advanced technology and resources to perform Mohs surgery and other dermatologic procedures. We prioritize patient safety, comfort, and satisfaction.
Patient-Centered Approach
We understand that a skin cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way, providing clear communication, education, and emotional support throughout your treatment journey.
Conclusion
Mohs surgery is a highly effective and precise treatment for various types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and some instances of melanoma. At Owensboro Dermatology, we are committed to offering this advanced surgical technique to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer or have concerns about a suspicious lesion, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let our experienced team help you achieve optimal skin health and peace of mind with the exceptional care provided by Mohs surgery.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit our website or call our office. We look forward to helping you navigate your skin cancer treatment journey with confidence and support.
