Skin cancer occurs when your skin cells reproduce inappropriately. It can be caused by sun exposure, although some people are genetically more likely to develop skin cancer. Mohs surgery is one of the primary methods dermatologists use to cure skin cancer. It's a type of excision surgery where doctors cut into your skin to remove cancer from healthy tissue. It's different from other types of skin cancer surgeries because each layer of skin that is removed is tested for cancerous cells during the surgery itself. This allows dermatologists to more precisely remove cancerous tissue. Here are four instances where Mohs surgery is recommended:
1. Your skin cancer is located on your face.
When others look at you, your face is the first thing they see. If you develop skin cancer on your face, your doctor will be concerned with minimizing scarring as much as possible. Mohs surgery allows doctors to remove a minimal amount of skin tissue during surgery, which can lead to smaller scars. Your doctor won't know how much tissue they need to remove until the surgery is already underway, so they can't tell you in advance if you'll scar or not. However, your dermatologist can refer you to a plastic surgeon if necessary.
2. Your skin cancer is located on your hands.
People with skin cancer on their hands can benefit from Mohs surgery as well. When tissue is removed from the hands, your dermatologist's main concern is preserving overall function. Mohs surgery allows a conservative amount of tissue to be removed, which can minimize nerve damage and preserve sensitivity and fine motor control. As with facial surgery, your doctor will do their best to minimize scarring.
3. Your skin cancer is growing quickly.
Skin cancer can spread if left untreated. Sometimes it simply gets larger. In other cases, skin cancer can spread to your lymph nodes and organs. This is a process called metastasization, and it can require chemotherapy or radiation treatment. If your cancer is growing, your doctor may recommend immediate Mohs surgery as a way to stop it in its tracks.
4. Your skin cancer has recurred.
When dermatologists treat patients for skin cancer, their hope is that additional treatment won't be necessary. Unfortunately, like other types of cancer, skin cancer can recur. If your cancer comes back, your doctor will want to take more aggressive steps to treat it. Mohs surgery allows your doctor to make sure they fully remove your skin cancer before suturing you back up.
In most photos you see in magazines and on Instagram, the models' skin has been airbrushed to look smooth and perfect. In real life, you will probably never get your skin to look that perfect. But there likely is room for improvement. Professional treatment by a dermatologist can help you get rid of stubborn blemishes, dry patches, clogged pores, and other imperfections that might make you feel self-conscious. Treatments have come a long way in recent years, and new therapies like laser treatment and dermabrasion are giving patients amazing results. Learn more as you dig into the articles offered on this website.