Skin cancer is a prevalent issue that affects millions of people worldwide. With various treatment options available, it’s vital to understand the differences between them to make an informed decision for your health. You can learn more here about Mohs surgery as a choice for skin cancer treatment, along with other popular treatment options.
Common Skin Cancers
Skin cancers occur when the cells in the skin begin to grow out of control. This uncontrolled growth could happen in any of the types of cells in the skin. The type of skin cancer is determined by which cells are affected. Most often, skin cancer is the result of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. The UV damages the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations or genetic defects that cause these cells to form rapidly and accumulate, creating a cancerous mass or tumor. However, skin cancer may also develop as a result of other factors, such as genetics or exposure to certain chemical compounds.
Some common types of skin cancer include:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common type of skin cancer, which tends to grow slowly and not spread to other body parts. It originates in the basal cells – a type of cell within the skin that produces new skin cells as old ones die off.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The second most common type of skin cancer, SCC originates in the squamous cells that make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. In some cases they can grow rapidly and may spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, if left untreated.
- Melanoma: While not as common as BCC or SCC, Melanoma is the most dangerous because of its ability to spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. It begins in melanocytes – the skin cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin.
Knowledge about these common types of skin cancer can be the first step towards early detection and prompt treatment.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
When it comes to skin cancer treatment, there are various options to choose from, including Mohs surgery, excisional surgery, and topical creams. Each treatment method has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the type and stage of skin cancer and the patient’s overall health. Understanding these can help make an informed decision for your health.
- Mohs surgery: Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise surgical technique that removes thin layers of cancerous tissue one at a time. Each layer is examined under a microscope to check for any remaining cancer cells. This process continues until there are no more cancer cells are detected, ensuring that only the cancerous tissue is removed.
- Excisional Surgery: This traditional form of surgery involves cutting out the cancerous tissue and a surrounding margin of healthy skin. It is typically used for treating melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
- Cryotherapy: This treatment option uses a cold substance, usually liquid nitrogen, to freeze and destroy abnormal cells. It’s often used for early-stage or thin skin cancers.
- Electrodessication and Curettage (ED&C): This is a two-step process, where the skin cancer is first scraped off with a curette, then the skin surface is treated with an electric needle to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
- Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays (like X-rays) to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. It is often used for larger skin cancers or those that have spread to other areas.
- Topical Medications: These are creams or lotions applied directly to the skin to kill cancer cells. They are usually prescribed for treating precancerous lesions and some types of skin cancer.
- Immunotherapy: Uses medicines to stimulate the immune system to destroy cancer cells.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): This treatment combines a light-sensitive drug with a specific wavelength of light to destroy cancer cells and is commonly used to treat superficial skin cancers.
How Does Mohs Surgery Compare to Other Skin Cancer Treatment Options?
While each skin cancer treatment has its advantages and limitations, Mohs surgery has some unique benefits that make it stand out among other methods. Here are a few key attributes of Mohs surgery compared to other skin cancer treatments:
Precision
The primary advantage of Mohs surgery is its precision. The process of removing and examining each layer of skin ensures that the entire tumor, including any roots, is removed. Other treatments, such as excisional surgery or ED&C, may leave behind cancer cells, increasing the risk of the cancer returning.
Tissue Preservation
By examining each layer of skin under a microscope, a Mohs surgeon can preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. This precision makes Mohs surgery an excellent option for areas where cosmetic appearance or function is essential, such as the face, hands, or feet.
High Cure Rate
Mohs surgery has a high cure rate, particularly for BCC and SCC cancers. For primary BCC and SCC (those that have not been treated before), the cure rates are 97%-99%. For recurrent tumors (those that have been treated previously), the cure rate is around 94%. In contrast, traditional surgery has a cure rate of approximately 90% for primary BCC and SCC and 76% for recurrent tumors.
One-Day Procedure
In most cases, Mohs surgery can be completed in a single day. Compared to other treatments that may require multiple sessions or weeks of radiation therapy, Mohs surgery is relatively quick and convenient, with the entire procedure usually lasting between 1 to 5 hours. Additionally, the surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, making it less invasive than some other surgical options.
When to Consider Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer
Mohs surgery may be recommended for the following scenarios:
- Skin cancers located on areas where tissue preservation is crucial, such as the face, hands, and feet
- High risk or aggressive skin cancers
- Skin cancer with large or poorly defined borders
- Recurrent skin cancers that have returned after a previous treatment
Finding a Qualified Mohs Surgeon
When considering Mohs surgery as a skin cancer treatment option, it’s crucial to find a qualified and experienced Mohs surgeon. Look for someone who is a member of the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) and has completed an accredited Mohs surgery fellowship program. Additionally, make sure to ask about their experience with your specific type of skin cancer.
Mohs surgery is a highly precise and effective option for treating skin cancer. While other treatment methods may have their benefits, Mohs surgery stands out for its precision, tissue preservation, high cure rates, and convenience. If you are facing a skin cancer diagnosis, make sure to discuss all your options with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your specific needs. By staying informed and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can make the best choice for your health and well-being.
Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer in Miami, FL
The Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center provides high quality dermatologic services in the Miami area. Practicing for more than 10 years, board-certified Dr. Giuffrida is highly trained and skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and is a fellowship trained Mohs surgeon.
In addition to specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery for the treatment of high-risk skin cancers, we also perform skin cancer and full body screenings, alternative methods for skin cancer treatment, and other skin surgical procedures.
To learn more about Mohs surgery or our other services, call us at (305) 461-2000 or contact us using our convenient online request form.
