Skin Cancer, Mohs, and Excision

When an individual learns they have skin cancer, it can be scary and concerning. However, understanding that there are highly effective treatments available can help alleviate some of the stress. Skin cancer is more common than most people realize, and the key is early detection and treatment. Having an annual skin cancer screening with your dermatologist is strongly recommended, especially as people get older. Qualified dermatologists can perform thorough skin cancer screenings in the office, allowing patients to remain comfortable and avoid traveling to another facility. Once skin cancer is found, it may be biopsied to confirm if the tumor is benign or malignant. Benign cancer can be removed, and Mohs is one of the most popular and effective ways to remove cancer from the skin’s surface.

Extensive experience and training in cancer removal come from education and years in the field. Staying up to date with the most advanced technologies and equipment to make the removal process seamless for patients is critical. Licensed dermatologists, like Dr. Sherrie Straughn, have years of experience and understand how to provide patients with optimal healing and the best cosmetic results from removal using Mohs.

How Mohs Surgery Works

Mohs has been used for more than 70 years, and it has become an increasingly better option for patients with skin cancer. The skill is refined over time, and industry-wide, this has become the first option for many dermatologists working with clients to remove skin cancer.

Skin is carefully removed one layer at a time to preserve healthy skin. The process is meticulous and can only be done well by those with the skill to do so. When Mohs is done correctly, the tumor is removed, and scarring is minimal. The face, scalp, and other sensitive skin areas often choose Mohs to remove signs of skin cancer. It is critical to get to the root of the tumor, so it has a low chance of coming back. It is precise and effective for basal cell and squamous cell cancer types. Even if a patient is diagnosed with melanoma, Mohs may still be an option.

Excision Goes Deeper

Although most dermatologists experienced in the field will recommend Mohs initially, some patients want to be sure to get all cancer cells out and opt for excision. Excision involves removing the skin with cancerous cells, along with healthy skin surrounding the area, to ensure that all cancer cells are entirely removed. Individuals concerned about recurrence may opt for this procedure, which can be performed by a professional dermatologist in the office with no downtime afterward. Scarring may be more of a concern using this procedure, but there are effective treatments for scarring that the dermatologist can perform. The main difference between the two approaches to skin cancer is that Mohs leaves healthy skin intact and targets only the tumor layers, and excision takes everything surrounding the cancerous cells as well.

Ideal Mohs Candidates

There are specific criteria that dermatologists will use to determine if Mohs is the best surgery for cancer removal. Some of the considerations include whether cancer is in an area where preserving healthy skin and minimizing scars is cosmetically ideal. Removing cancer from the face is different than removing it from the shoulder blade or lower back. If cancer has been previously treated and scar tissue exists, Mohs is ideal. Large cancer tumors with edges that are difficult to identify may prefer Mohs due to its layer-by-layer removal process. Some signs of cancer, when identified, may still be growing, which is why excision is not always the best option, and Mohs is preferred. Completely removing any cancerous cells while they are still growing is ineffective and can be more invasive for the patient.

Mohs offers precision and should be considered when removing cancer from the face, neck, genitals, and other areas where keeping healthy skin is significantly important.

Seeking Professional Dermatology Care

Regardless of what procedure you choose to remove cancer from your skin, success begins with early detection, so do not miss your dermatology appointment. If you don’t have a dermatologist or want one in Atlanta, contact Buckhead Dermatology. First-time patients get care, guidance, options, and transparency with Dr. Straughn. Skin cancer screenings, detection, and removals should only be performed by someone who is licensed in dermatology to ensure patients get the results and success they deserve. Remember that skin cancer is highly treatable, so don’t be discouraged or wait to get any areas of concern checked out by a dermatologist today!