Doctors usually recommend surgery to treat basal and squamous skin cancer – two of the most common skin cancers. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor with little disturbance to the surrounding healthy tissue.
Different surgical techniques can be used to remove skin cancer, however, the most advanced and specialized technique is Mohs micrographic surgery. Below, we will discuss Mohs surgery and where you can get the treatment done in Miami, Florida.
What Does Mohs Micrographic Surgery Entail?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly effective treatment for certain types of skin cancer. The technique was developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederic Mohs and has since been refined and perfected, making it the gold standard for treating the most common types of skin cancer.
Mohs surgery involves the removal of thin layers of cancer-containing tissue until no cancer remains. It is a surgical procedure that includes continuous laboratory examination during the procedure. Every time the Mohs surgeon removes a thin layer of skin, they examine it under a microscope until they see only cancer-free tissue.
The outpatient procedure takes place over the course of several hours, with the patient under local anesthesia.
What Makes Mohs Surgery the Best Treatment for Certain Skin Cancers?
Mohs surgery has many advantages. One is that it leaves very minimal scarring compared to other skin cancer surgery techniques, which makes it a great option for those with skin cancer in highly visible areas of the body. A highly-skilled Mohs surgeon can use reconstructive techniques to achieve the best possible cosmetic results.
Another advantage of Mohs surgery is that it allows the surgeon to precisely target the cancerous tissue while sparing healthy tissue, which means the procedure carries a lower risk of complications. A study tracking the treatment of patients across the United States confirms a very low rate of adverse events and complications associated with Mohs surgery. It is considered the gold standard for basal skin cancer and squamous skin cancer.
A third advantage is that Mohs surgery has a very low recurrence rate. Mohs surgery provides certain skin cancer patients with the highest cure rate possible. The procedure is done in different stages, which allows for precision and accuracy in the removal of skin cancer. Other skin cancer surgery techniques require a larger margin and deeper excision, and yet the lack of examination may result in poor margins and a high recurrence rate.
Top Mohs Surgeon in Miami, FL
Mohs surgery is a cutting-edge surgical technique that should be placed in the hands of an experienced Mohs surgeon. Dr. T.J. Giuffrida at Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center is a board-certified and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon with 10 years of experience performing state-of-the-art skin cancer treatments with the highest competency. Dr. Giuffrida is not only known for his expertise, but also for his compassionate nature and gentle manner.
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, make an appointment with Dr. Giuffrida as soon as possible. To schedule your visit, call our dermatology and skin cancer center in Miami at (305) 461-2000 or use our convenient online appointment request form.
