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http://www.doctorderm.com/Title: Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Skin cancer is, by far, the most prevalent form of malignant tumor. Close to one million new cases are reported in the United States each year.
The most common types of skin cancer are:
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Skin cancers often extend below the visible tumor on the skin surface. They can invade and destroy underlying structures such as the bone.
Skin cancers can metastasize or spread to other parts of the body.The probability of spreading varies depending on the type of cancer. With basal cell carcinoma, metastasis is rare. Usually, it only occurs with long-standing large tumors. Squamous cell carcinoma is slightly more dangerous. Spreading is infrequent, but more likely to occur than with a basal cell carcinoma. Melanoma is a very different and a more dangerous kind of skin cancer. It has more of a tendency to metastasize.
Regardless of the type of skin cancer, it is important to treat it as soon as possible. With appropriate and timely treatment, the cure rate with Mohs Micrographic Surgery for both basal and squamous cell carcinoma approaches 97%.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a highly precise technique for removing skin cancer. It is performed on a microscopic level, so the surgeon is able to remove a tumor completely while preserving normal tissue.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the recommended treatment for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma because it offers many advantages:
| Precise and complete removal of skin cancer |
| Higher cure rate for skin cancer than any other method - 97-99% chance for complete removal of cancer |
| Maximum conservation of normal tissue |
| Preservation of important structures |
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a complete, systematic, microscopic search for the "roots" of the skin cancer without an excessive loss of normal tissue. However, no surgeon can guarantee a 100% chance of cure.
How Mohs Micrographic Surgery Works
12/23/04
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