When you receive a skin cancer diagnosis, you have many concerns but one thing is for sure–you’re awaiting the day you hear the news that you’re cancer free.
The next concern is whether your skin cancer will return.
If you’re considering Mohs surgery to treat your basal cell carcinoma (BCC), you’re likely wondering, “Can skin cancer come back after Mohs?” We have an answer for you, so let’s get right to it!
Can Skin Cancer Come Back After Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery, which has a cure rate of greater than 95% for all types of skin cancer, helps dramatically reduce the rate of recurrence.
This precise surgical technique allows the surgeon to remove suspect tissues layer by layer so that they can be examined under a microscope. Once the tissues are deemed to be benign, no further tissue is removed.
Mohs is often used to treat basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. Can skin cancer come back after Mohs? Yes, but it is very unlikely, especially with removal from the area’s top Mohs specialist.
What Is the Recurrence Rate of Basal Cell Carcinoma?
With over 3.6 million diagnosed cases of this specific type of cancer in the United States alone, few cases are in previous patients that have never had skin cancer before. The 5-year average recurrence rate for previously untreated BCC is about 5%.
But, patients who had Mohs micrographic surgery saw the lowest recurrence at just 1% – that’s a 99% success rate!
Next for recurrence is cryotherapy at 7.5%, followed by curettage and electrodesiccation, radiation therapy, non-Mohs surgeries, and finally surgical excision at 10.1%.
Where Can I Find the Top Mohs Surgeon in Acworth?
Here in Acworth, turn to the skilled hands of skin cancer surgeon, Dr. Johnathan Langston Chappell.
Call us today at 678-505-8030 to schedule your consultation with our compassionate dermatologist for Mohs surgery or other skin treatments to help you live a healthier life!
