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The degree to which skin cancer treatment has advanced in recent decades is remarkable. Traditional methods, including standard surgical excision can still provide solutions but there are alternatives.
Topical medication has improved, to treat minor cases without surgery, cryosurgery and laser surgery are helpful options. There is however one technique which stands out, in terms of cure rates and tissue preservation.
The precision Mohs surgery offers is valuable in treating basal cell, or squamous cell carcinomas, yet not all patients know of the approach.
The Principles of Mohs
A clear advantage of Mohs is a better aesthetic outcome, as only the amount of tissue neccessary to deal with the cancer is removed.
Mohs surgeons carefully cut away a layer of tissue from the affected area. This is then inspected in a lab, to see if any cancerous cells remain on the underside and if so, a second phase can take place.
A further layer is removed, just on the section where unwanted cells were found, before further lab testing. Two sessions is often sufficient, although the process can continue if required to completely remove the cancer.
This gives excellent cure rates, with the minimum amount of tissue removed. The wound can then be closed and allowed to heal.
A Satisfying Outcome
Knowing your cancer is gone and unlikely to return is welcome, whilst life going forward benefits from the best possible cosmetic result. There is no such thing as surgery without a scar but this can be minimal.
Lower levels of tissue removal naturally help and Mohs surgeons are trained in plastic surgery techniques. A specialist plastic surgeon can be added to the team if required, although this is quite unusual.
Neither is hospitalisation needed, with Mohs carried out in our day surgery unit under local anaesthetic. Treatment often takes no more than half a day and you can soon return to a normal routine.
The Use Of Mohs
Mohs is ideal for treating basal, or squamous cell carcinoma, including cases where the cancer has returned after previous surgery.
The approach can be used anywhere but is especially helpful for facial areas, to produce a better cosmetic outcome and maintain function. This includes our ability to communicate, where subtle facial expressions matter.
Other areas of our body can also benefit from a good aesthetic outcome, including the feet, or genitals. Mohs is a versatile form of surgery and can also be used to treat several rare skin cancers.
There is more to see, whether you are new to Mohs, or simply wish to know more. Our section on Mohs surgery provides far more detail, on a treatment which is carried out with care and success at our London clinic.