Skin cancer is more prevalent that many may think and will affect one-in-five Americans during their lifetime. However, it is also highly curable when diagnosed and treated early.
Of skin cancer treatments, Mohs micrographic surgery is one of the most successful options and provides unparalleled medical, functional, and aesthetic benefits.
Continue reading to learn all about this surgical procedure, including how to find the best Mohs surgeon and what patients can expect from treatment.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a surgical procedure designed to treat skin cancer and preserve maximum heathy tissue.
The treatment is often indicated for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma and has an extremely high cure rate. In fact, Mohs can achieve up to a 99% cure rate for cases of new skin cancer and up to a 95% cure rate for recurrent cancers.
How to Find the Best Mohs Surgeon?
The best Mohs surgeon not only operates, he also serves as a pathologist and reconstructive specialist.
Dr. Johnathan is a leader in the field of Mohs micrographic surgery and utilizes advanced techniques to excise the tumor and eliminate all traces of cancer.
This precise approach also minimizes the amount of surrounding tissue removed and maintains function and appearance of sensitive areas like eyelids, nose, ears, lips, fingers, toes, and genitals.
What Happens During Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
During a Mohs procedure, the tumor and surrounding area are numbed with a local anesthetic.
Then, the visible cancer is removed, along with 1-2 mm of normal tissue. This entire process takes approximately 15 minutes.
Next, the sample is taken to the lab and examined under a microscope for any evidence of cancer cells. Full analysis takes one-to-two hours, and patients are able to relax, read, or watch TV during this time.
If cancer is detected, another thin layer of tissue is removed and evaluated. This process is repeated until clean margins are achieved.
At the end, the wound is reconstructed with sutures, a skin graft, or a flap. In some cases, it may be left to heal on its own or repaired by another specialist on the surgical team.
Schedule an Appointment with the Best Mohs Surgeon Today
If you are looking for the best Mohs surgeon, please call our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Johnathan Langston Chappell.