Treatment for melanoma skin cancer is quite different from how other common skin cancers are treated. This includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Knowing these differences helps patients choose the best care for their specific type of cancer.

Mohs surgery, which has greatly improved the treatment of some skin cancers, is not suitable for every type. It is considered the best option for treating basal and squamous cell carcinomas. However, melanoma needs other treatment methods because it behaves differently. The Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center offers both advanced Mohs surgery and specialized melanoma care.

In this blog, we will go over the following:

Mohs Surgery Success: Mohs surgery removes cancer in layers with a 99% cure rate.
Wide Excision for Melanoma: This is best for melanoma due to hard-to-detect cells.
Melanoma’s Higher Risks: Melanoma spreads fast, needing surgery and other therapies.

What is Mohs Surgery and How Does It Work?

Mohs surgery is a detailed process that removes cancer while saving as much healthy tissue as possible.

The surgeon starts by taking out the visible tumor along with a thin layer of nearby tissue. This tissue is then checked under a microscope right away while the patient waits. The surgeon uses a map of the tissue to find any remaining cancer cells.

If cancer is still found, the surgeon removes another thin layer. However, they only do this in the areas where cancer was detected.

This step-by-step process continues until no cancer cells are left. Mohs surgery has a success rate of up to 99% for treating basal and squamous cell carcinomas.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Mohs surgery has the ability to save healthy tissue. It also provides better cosmetic results. This makes it especially useful for cancers on the face, ears, or other visible areas.

The real-time tissue checks ensure all cancer is removed while keeping the surgical area as small as possible.

Why is Mohs Surgery Not Used for Melanoma?

Regular Mohs surgery does not work well for melanoma. This is because its cells are harder to see under a microscope.

A special version of Mohs with extra staining may be used for early melanomas. However, it is rare and time-consuming.

Wide excision is the most reliable treatment. This procedure removes the tumor and any hidden spreading cells.

What Options are There for Treatment of Melanoma Skin Cancer?

For most melanoma cases, wide local excision is the best treatment. Surgeons remove the tumor and some healthy tissue, with the margin size based on how deep the melanoma is.

According to the Mayo Clinic, advanced cases need extra treatments like:

Immunotherapy
Targeted therapy
Radiation therapy

They may be used to treat melanoma that has spread or to prevent it from coming back. Skilled dermatologists provide complete care. They may combine surgery and advanced treatments for the best results.

Which is More Serious, Melanoma or Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Melanoma poses significantly greater risks than basal cell carcinoma. This is due to its aggressive behavior. Melanoma grows faster. It also has a much higher likelihood of spreading to lymph nodes and distant organs.

Without early detection and treatment, melanoma can become life-threatening within months.

Basal cell carcinoma grows much more slowly and rarely spreads beyond the initial site. It can also cause a lot of damage to local tissue if left untreated. Despite this, it seldom becomes life-threatening.

However, basal cell carcinomas on the face can cause serious complications if ignored. This is also the case if they are near vital structures.

Early detection and appropriate treatment methods matter critically for both cancer types. The key difference lies in the urgency and complexity of treatment required. Melanoma demands more immediate and comprehensive intervention.

Comparing Treatments for Different Skin Cancers

Here are the different options for treatment for melanoma skin cancer, BCC, and SCC:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Treatment for basal cell carcinoma varies based on the tumor’s size, location, and the patient’s needs. Options include:

Mohs surgery
Standard excision for smaller lesions
Topical treatment for superficial cases

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma treatment depends on the tumor’s characteristics and location. Common approaches include:

Mohs surgery
Wide excision to remove the tumor completely
Radiation therapy
Systemic treatments

Melanoma

Melanoma requires more extensive treatment due to its aggressive nature. The following options are available for treatment for melanoma skin cancer:

Wide excision
Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapy

Key Factors in Treatment Decisions

The choice of treatment depends on several factors. This includes:

The type of cancer
Its size
Its location
The patient’s overall health

Each case requires a personalized treatment plan. This must be based on medical guidelines and the patient’s specific needs.

Treatment for Melanoma Skin Cancer in Miami, FL

Mohs surgery is the best treatment for basal and squamous cell carcinomas. It provides high cure rates and better cosmetic results. However, it is not the main treatment for melanoma skin cancer. This is because melanoma cells behave differently. Treating melanoma often involves surgery along with other therapies.

Patients get the best care by working with specialists who are skilled in both Mohs surgery and melanoma treatment. This ensures they have access to all options and the expertise to choose the right treatment for their specific needs. Trust the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center’s board-certified Mohs surgeon, Dr. T.J. Giuffrida, for expert skin cancer care. Call us at (305) 461-2000 or use our online appointment request form to schedule your consultation.

We look forward to serving you!

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13312-mohs-surgery

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14391-melanoma

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377608