Mohs surgery for squamous cell carcinoma offers the highest cure rate available for this common skin cancer. This cancer affects over one million Americans each year. Mohs surgery carefully removes cancer cells one layer at a time while keeping healthy tissue safe. Many people wonder if they are a good fit for this treatment.
Mohs surgery works better than traditional methods, with cure rates over 95 percent for most cases. Patients also get results right away during the procedure. This guide will help you understand everything about Mohs surgery for squamous cell carcinoma.
What Makes Mohs Surgery Different
What is Mohs surgery? It is different from other skin cancer treatments because of its precise method.
The surgeon removes thin layers of tissue one at a time and checks each layer under a microscope right away. This process continues until no cancer cells are found.
In traditional surgery, doctors remove a set amount of tissue around the tumor. They have to guess how much healthy tissue to take out, which can lead to removing too much or too little.
Mohs surgery avoids this guesswork by analyzing the tissue in real time.
The procedure happens in a special facility with a lab on-site. The same doctor does both the surgery and the tissue exam. This makes the process more accurate and well-coordinated.
Types of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Mohs Surgery
This surgical procedure to remove skin cancer can help with the following:
High-Risk Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Some squamous cell carcinomas are more likely to come back or spread. These high-risk tumors benefit the most from Mohs surgery because of its accuracy.
A high-risk tumor will have a:
- Large size
- Deep growth
- Abnormal-looking cells
- Close to a nerve
Tumors in sensitive areas like the face, ears, lips, and scalp need extra care. These spots are harder to treat, but Mohs surgery works well in these tricky locations.
Squamous cell carcinomas that come back after earlier treatments can be harder to treat. Past surgeries or radiation may have changed the tissue. Mohs surgery handles these challenges better than other methods.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ
This is the earliest stage of squamous cell carcinoma, where cancer cells are only in the top layer of skin. Mohs surgery is used for large or recurring cases of this type.
Bowen’s disease is a specific kind of squamous cell carcinoma in situ. It often affects large areas of skin. Mohs surgery helps by clearly marking and treating the affected areas for the best results.
Ideal Candidates for Mohs Surgery
The following can benefit from Mohs surgery for squamous cell carcinoma.
Medical Factors
Patients with aggressive squamous cell carcinoma are good candidates for Mohs surgery. This includes tumors larger than two centimeters or those with high-risk cancer cells.
People with weakened immune systems have a higher chance of cancer returning with standard treatments. They include organ transplant recipients, for example. Mohs surgery offers better cure rates for the.
If the area has been treated with radiation before, it can make surgery more complicated. Radiation changes how tissues look and heal. Mohs surgery handles these challenges better than regular methods.
Anatomical Factors
Squamous cell carcinomas on the face need careful planning. Areas like the nose, ears, and lips require saving as much healthy tissue as possible for normal function. Mohs surgery is ideal for these important areas.
Tumors near sensitive spots, like the eyes, need precise removal to protect vision and tear ducts. Mohs surgery provides the accuracy needed for these delicate areas.
Large tumors anywhere on the body also benefit from Mohs surgery. It removes all cancer while saving as much healthy tissue as possible. This is especially important for bigger cancers.
The Process for Mohs Surgery for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Here is the Mohs surgery process:
Pre-Surgical Preparation
Patients receive detailed instructions before their Mohs surgery appointment. Most medications can continue as prescribed. Blood-thinning medications may require temporary adjustment.
The surgical site should remain clean and undisturbed before treatment. Patients should arrange transportation home after the procedure.
Local anesthesia effects typically wear off within hours.
Stage-by-Stage Surgical Process
The surgeon begins by numbing the treatment area with a local anesthetic. The visible tumor is removed along with a thin margin of surrounding tissue. This first stage establishes the baseline for further treatment.
The removed tissue undergoes immediate processing in the on-site lab. Technicians create frozen sections for a microscopic exam. The surgeon reviews these slides to identify any remaining cancer cells.
If cancer cells appear at the tissue edges, the surgeon removes another layer. This process targets only the specific areas showing positive margins. Healthy tissue in clear areas remains untouched.
The layer-by-layer removal continues until all margins show no cancer cells. Most squamous cell carcinomas clear within one to three stages. Complex cases may require additional stages for complete removal.
Wound Reconstruction Options
Small wounds often heal naturally through secondary intention. This process takes several weeks but produces acceptable cosmetic results. Patients receive detailed wound care instructions for optimal healing.
Larger wounds may require surgical reconstruction. The surgeon can perform immediate repair using various techniques. Options include direct closure, skin flaps, or skin grafts.
Some patients benefit from delayed reconstruction. This approach allows initial healing before definitive repair.
Mohs Surgery for Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Coral Gables, FL
Mohs surgery for squamous cell carcinoma represents the gold standard treatment. This precise technique offers the highest cure rates while preserving healthy tissue. The procedure provides immediate results and excellent cosmetic outcomes. Choosing the right surgeon also makes all the difference in your treatment success.
Trust the expertise of Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center‘s Dr. T.J. Giuffrida, our board-certified Mohs surgeon. His specialized training and extensive experience ensure optimal treatment outcomes. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (305) 461-2000 or use our appointment request form.
We look forward to serving you!
