The Basics You Need to Know About Mohs Micrographic Surgery

If you have recently been diagnosed with skin cancer, you are not alone.

Over one million people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the U.S. each year, making it the most common type of cancer. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in his or her lifetime. Fortunately, it is also one of the most treatable forms of cancer.

Mohs micrographic surgery is a uniquely successful technique to achieve the highest cure rate for treating skin cancers and minimizing scars. Dr. Frederick Mohs, a surgeon at the University of Wisconsin, developed it during the 1930s. The procedure he developed has become popular and widely practiced in the dermatology field. The Mohs procedure is also now available in Georgia. Dr. Ross Campbell is the only fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon in Gainesville, Lake Oconee, and practicing full–time in Athens.

Mohs surgery is different from other cancer treatments because it allows for microscopic examination of cancer tissue to locate possible extensions and minimize scars. The surgery has high cure rates due to the manner in which the tissue is removed and examined. It is strongly recommended for skin cancer cases with a high risk for cancer recurrence. Moreover, the surgery is ideal for areas that require tissue conservation such as eyelids, nose, ears, hairline, hands, lips, and the genitalia since these areas are cosmetically sensitive and have highly functional and aesthetic needs.

There are many treatments available for skin cancer. Treatment methods such as freezing, scraping, or cauterizing are commonly performed and have a cure rates as high as 80%. If small part of the malignant cancer is not removed, this may eventually lead to recurrence. Other methods such as standard surgical excision may remove “extra” healthy tissue just to be sure that the malignant area is totally eliminated. This may lead to a larger scar. Mohs surgery has high success rates that reaches 99% (98% for recurrent cancers) for most skin cancers and minimizes scars by removing only tumor-affected tissue.

Since Mohs surgery is usually performed on cosmetically sensitive areas and for cancer, it is wise to choose a doctor who is well trained in the Mohs technique for accurate evaluation of the pathology to ensure the cancer is totally removed. If you live in nearby cities such as Atlanta, you may also consider paying Ross Campbell and his clinic, the Georgia Skin Cancer & Aesthetic Dermatology, a visit.  Feel free to browse the rest of our website to learn more about our Athens Mohs Micrographic Surgery.