Mohs Surgery: Does My Skin Condition Make Me a Good Candidate?

Mohs micrographic surgery has been proven as one of the most effective skin cancer treatments. But what makes someone an ideal candidate for a Mohs procedure? Here are a few key criteria you need to meet.

Rapidly Developing Tumors

Different types of skin cancer have different growth rates. For example, a basal cell carcinoma will typically develop slowly over time. That being said, there are situations in which a tumor may grow rapidly. In these cases, treatment is needed as soon as possible to be effective. Mohs is the preferred treatment for stopping these rapidly-growing tumors before the cancer can spread to any other parts of the body. Aggressive skin cancer can be scary, but Mohs is one of the most effective methods of treatment that can help stop cancer in its tracks before more damage occurs.

Recurring Skin Cancer

While skin cancer can be effectively treated and removed, that doesn’t mean it won’t come back at a later time. Unfortunately, patients who have had skin cancer in the past are more likely to see it again in the same area or even elsewhere on their body. Mohs surgery is certainly effective at removing cancerous tissue, but it may not prevent cancer from recurring. Fortunately, Mohs micrographic surgery is also highly effective at treating recurring skin cancer. If you’re experiencing recurring skin cancer, Mohs could be the best treatment for you.

Skin Cancer in Sensitive Areas

Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, but when it occurs on sensitive areas or areas that you’d like to be cosmetically preserved, then Mohs is likely one of the most appropriate treatments. Patients who have had more sun exposure on their face, neck, hands, and ears are more susceptible to skin cancer in those areas. In the event that skin cancer does develop there, Mohs is going to be an effective treatment for you. This is mostly because Mohs surgery aims to preserve the maximum amount of healthy tissue present around cancerous cells.

Tumors with Undefined Borders

In many cases, tumors have borders that are clear cut and easy to define. However, there are cases in which cancerous tissue may not have a defined border. These tumors present a unique issue when it comes to skin cancer treatment. When there are no staunch borders, it gets difficult to determine the exact length and depth of the tumor. That’s where Mohs surgery becomes incredibly useful. Mohs allows both the surgeon and staff operating to examine each portion of the tumor that is removed. When doing so, they can more accurately determine the size of the tumor. When the tissue they extract and examine is healthy, the operation comes to a close. In this way, they get a more accurate measure of your tumor and preserve as much healthy surrounding tissue as possible.

Preventive screenings are effective at identifying early signs of skin cancer, and should be attended regularly if you notice abnormal moles or skin lesions. If you’re concerned that you meet one of the above criteria and you have questions or want to set up a skin cancer screening, contact SE Dermatology Specialists today.