In short,

• Mohs surgery precisely removes skin cancer layer by layer, minimizing damage. It’s ideal for skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face.
• Be sure to discuss Mohs surgery with your doctor to see if it’s right for you.
• Consider the effectiveness of the surgery for sensitive or high-visibility areas.

Dealing with a skin cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but understanding your treatment options in the Miami area is a powerful first step. This guide will walk you through what Mohs surgery is, who it’s for, and what to expect from the process.

Understanding Mohs Surgery in Miami, FL

When exploring treatments for skin cancer, you will likely encounter the term Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a highly specialized and precise surgical technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer.

The core principle of the procedure is to remove cancerous tissue one thin layer at a time. After each layer is removed, it is immediately examined under a microscope. This process continues until the surgeon is certain that only cancer-free tissue remains.

What’s the Approach to Mohs surgery?

This methodical approach offers two significant advantages. First, it ensures the complete removal of the cancer, which leads to very high cure rates, especially for common types like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Second, it minimizes the removal of surrounding healthy tissue. This is particularly valuable for skin cancers on areas where preserving tissue is crucial for both function and appearance, such as the face, scalp, neck, hands, and feet. The surgeon creates a detailed map of the excised tissue, which acts as a guide for removing any remaining cancerous roots.

Why Choose Mohs Surgery?

The unique benefits of Mohs surgery make it a preferred option for many patients and physicians. Its combination of effectiveness and tissue preservation offers a superior outcome in many cases.

Several key factors make Mohs surgery an excellent choice:

• High Cure Rate: It offers the highest cure rate of any treatment for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, often exceeding 99% for new cancers.
• Tissue Preservation: By removing only the necessary tissue, the procedure preserves as much healthy skin as possible. This minimizes scarring and leads to better cosmetic results.
• Immediate Results: The microscopic examination is performed on-site while the patient waits. This allows the surgeon to confirm that all cancer cells have been removed in a single visit.
• Outpatient Procedure: Mohs surgery is typically performed in an outpatient setting using local anesthesia, allowing patients to return home the same day.

Causes and Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

Understanding what causes skin cancer is the first step toward prevention. While some factors are out of our control, many are related to lifestyle and environmental exposure.

The Role of UV Exposure

According to the Mayo Clinic, the primary cause of most skin cancers is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and sun exposure. UV rays damage the DNA within skin cells, which can lead to mutations that cause the cells to grow uncontrollably and form cancerous tumors.

Both long-term, cumulative sun exposure over many years and short, intense periods of exposure, such as blistering sunburns, significantly increase your risk. Therefore, protecting your skin from UV radiation is the single most important thing you can do to prevent skin cancer.

Genetic Predisposition

If you have a family history of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, your own risk is higher. Certain genetic factors can make your skin more susceptible to damage from the sun.

For individuals with a strong family history of melanoma, a dermatologist might suggest genetic counseling to better understand the risk.

Other Risk Factors

Beyond UV rays and genetics, several other factors can increase your likelihood of developing skin cancer. Key risk factors include:

• Skin Type: Individuals with fair skin, light-colored hair (blonde or red), and blue or green eyes are more susceptible.
• Sunburn History: A history of one or more blistering sunburns, especially during childhood or adolescence, dramatically raises the risk.
• Moles: Having many moles or several atypical (unusual-looking) moles is a known risk factor.
• Weakened Immune System: A compromised immune system due to medical conditions or medications can reduce your body’s ability to fight off cancer cells.
• Chemical Exposure: Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic, can also increase skin cancer risk.

Regular skin self-exams and professional skin checks are vital for early detection, especially if you have multiple risk factors.

Recognizing Skin Cancer: Symptoms and Warning Signs

Early detection is critical for successfully treating skin cancer. Knowing what to look for on your own skin can help you identify suspicious spots and seek timely medical advice.

Look for the ABCDEs: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color changes, Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser), and Evolving (changing) size or shape. Also, watch for sores that do not heal, pearly bumps, or scaly red patches.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Skin Cancer

If you notice a suspicious spot, the next step is a professional evaluation. A dermatologist can perform an examination and, if necessary, order tests to provide a definitive diagnosis. The choice of treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the cancer, as well as your overall health.

Common treatment options include:

• Surgical Excision: This involves cutting out the cancerous tumor along with a small margin of surrounding healthy skin to ensure all cancer cells are removed.
• Mohs Micrographic Surgery: As discussed, this layer-by-layer removal technique offers the highest cure rate for many skin cancers, especially those in delicate areas.
• Other Treatment Modalities: Depending on the situation, other options may be considered. These can include cryotherapy (freezing the lesion), radiation therapy, topical medications, or photodynamic therapy.

Prevention and Lifestyle Changes You Can Try

While treatments for skin cancer are highly effective, prevention is always the best approach. Adopting sun-safe habits can dramatically reduce your risk of developing skin cancer in the first place.

Sun Protection Strategies

Consistent sun protection is the cornerstone of skin cancer prevention. Effective strategies include:

• Seek Shade: Limit your time in direct sunlight, especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Cover up with long-sleeved shirts, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin every day, even when it’s cloudy. Reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
• Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds and sunlamps emit harmful UV radiation that significantly increases your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.

Regular Skin Self-Exams

Get into the habit of examining your skin from head to toe once a month. This will help you become familiar with your skin’s normal pattern of moles and spots, making it easier to notice any changes or new growths.

If you see anything suspicious, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist right away.

Get More Information on Mohs Surgery in Miami, FL

If you have concerns about a skin lesion or wish to learn more about Mohs surgery in Miami and the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice. Call us today at (305) 461-2000 or use our online appointment request form to schedule a consultation.