Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a unique surgical technique that is employed to remove certain kinds of skin cancers. Frederick Mohs invented this procedure in 1930.
Types of Cancers Removed Using Mohs Micrographic Surgery
MMS can be used to remove the following types of skin cancers:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- Sebaceous Carcinoma
- Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma (MAC)
- Malignant Fibriohystiocytoma (MFH)
- Atypical Fibroxanthoma
- Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP)
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
MMS is highly acclaimed because of its wide range of application.
Who Is Mohs Micrographic Surgery Suitable For?
Mohs sugery is suitable for several categories of conditions. These are individuals with:
- Tumors in the neck, head, face, feet, hands, and genitalia
- Large tumors on the hands, legs, and trunk that are larger than two centimeters
- Non-melanoma skin cancers that have been diagnosed through a biopsy
- Recurrent tumors at any site of the body
- Individuals who are taking immunosuppressive medications or those who are organ transplant recipients
Preparation for Mohs Micrographic Surgery
During your consultation, we will tell you how to prepare depending on your particular condition. However, you should avoid smoking for at least two weeks before surgery as this will slow your healing process. You also need to cease from alcohol consumption at least one week before the procedure as this will thin your blood and cause extreme bleeding. If you are diabetic, maintain a safe blood sugar level before the procedure.
The Mohs Micrographic Surgery Procedure
MMS is carried out on an outpatient basis, and you will be given local anesthesia to numb the site of surgery. The surgeon scrapes the site of visible tumors using a particular instrument and delineates the clinical margin of your tumor. Thin layers of skin are then removed and observed under a microscope. If cancerous cells are found, another layer is removed. This process is repeated until no more cancerous cells are determined using the microscope. For most people, only two to three layers suffice.
Benefits of a Mohs Surgical Procedure
Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly accurate procedure that has several advantages for the patient. These include:
- MMS has the highest rate of cure than a standard excision or chemotherapy.
- Healthy skin is preserved, and the patient is assured of a more elegant reconstruction and a smaller scar. Normally, the cure rate for MMS is 95-99 percent.
- The probability of recurrence of the cancer is below 1 percent
Most MMS procedures take only a few hours, but you should allow one full day for the surgery. Though it may be difficult to determine how deep the tumors are or the amount of reconstruction required, MMS is a safe procedure. If you have a skin cancer problem, contact Doctor’s Approach as soon as possible to eliminate the risk of your cancer spreading further. We’ll review your skin and determine the most effective treatment plan for your individual needs.
