Mohs Surgery in Vienna VA.
Mohs Surgery is a highly effective and precise skin cancer treatment. Ideal candidates include patients with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or skin tumors in critical areas like the face, hands, or genitals. During the procedure, layers of cancerous tissue are removed one at a time and immediately examined under a microscope until no cancer cells remain, sparing healthy tissue.
Mohs Surgery: Explained
Mohs surgery is a specialized and compassionate approach to treating specific skin cancers, offering hope and healing to patients. It is particularly effective for skin cancers with ill-defined borders or sensitive areas, such as the face, ears, and hands. Common skin cancers treated with Mohs surgery include basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and, less frequently, melanoma. During Mohs surgery, the surgeon removes thin layers of cancerous tissue one at a time, carefully examining each layer under a microscope. This meticulous process continues until no cancer cells remain, preserving healthy tissue and minimizing scarring. Expect a thorough consultation with the surgeon, who will explain the procedure and answer any questions to ease anxieties. Recovery from Mohs surgery is generally well-tolerated, with minimal downtime. Patients may experience redness, swelling, and discomfort, which should subside over time. The compassionate care provided by the surgical team ensures patients feel supported throughout the process, promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Prognosis and Treatment
Mohs surgery is a precise and effective treatment for certain skin cancers, offering a favorable prognosis. During the procedure, layers of cancerous tissue are removed and immediately examined under a microscope, ensuring the surgeon targets only affected areas, sparing healthy tissue.
Mohs surgery significantly boosts cure rates (e.g., 99% for basal cell carcinoma) and minimizes scarring. Recovery is typically swift, with patients resuming regular activities soon after. However, redness, swelling, and discomfort are typical while healing. Though Mohs surgery boasts impressive benefits, potential risks exist. Infection at the surgical site is a possibility but rare. Additionally, nerve damage might lead to temporary or permanent loss of sensation. Lastly, cosmetic concerns can arise, especially when treating cancers in visible areas like the face. However, our skilled surgeons can mitigate these risks, maximizing successful outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
At Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia, PLLC
Our goal is to provide the highest quality care for the treatment of skin cancer. This information is to answer questions regarding the Mohs Micrographic procedure for surgically removing skin cancer.
At Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia, PLLC, Mohs micrographic surgery is performed by Dr. Kelley P. Redbord. Dr. Redbord, who is both surgeon and pathologist, has received specialized training and certification in this technique.
Mohs micrographic surgery is safe, reliable, and has a significantly higher cure rate than any other available treatment, even when dealing with difficult cases and those that have failed other forms of treatment. In addition, Mohs surgery is a “tissue-sparing” technique, which allows for selective removal of cancerous tissue while reserving as much normal skin as possible. Mohs surgery is done as a same-day outpatient surgical procedure in our office. This eliminates the need for general anesthesia and operating room or hospital fees.
Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly specialized and precise treatment for skin cancer in which cancerous cells are removed in stages, one tissue layer at a time. Once a tissue layer is removed, its edges are marked with specially colored dyes, and a map of the specimen is created. The tissue is then processed onto microscope slides by a trained Mohs surgery histotechnician in our on-site laboratory. These slides are examined carefully by Dr. Redbord under the microscope, so that any microscopic traces of the cancer can be identified precisely and mapped. When cancer cells are seen, an additional tissue layer is removed only from areas where the cancer cells are still present, leaving normal skin intact. This process is repeated until no traces of cancerous cells is found.
Because Mohs surgery is a highly specialized technique, not all skin cancers require this treatment. Your doctor has referred you for Mohs surgery based on special considerations regarding your skin cancer. Examples include: a skin cancer which has “come back” after previous treatment; a tumor with microscopic features suggesting it may be aggressive or have extensive “roots”; and a skin cancer on the face or other area where sparing of normal tissue is essential.
The term “Mohs” refers to Dr. Frederic Mohs, Professor of Surgery at the University of Wisconsin, who developed this surgical technique in the early 1940’s. The technique has undergone many refinements and has come to be known as “Mohs surgery” in honor of Dr. Mohs.
Please explore our website to learn about the conditions we treat and the services provided. Call Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia, PLLC in Vienna FL at (703) 938-5700 to learn more.