Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Eastside Dermatology is proud to offer Mohs micrographic surgery, an advanced skin cancer treatment, to Columbus and central Ohio residents. This state-of-the-art procedure boasts the highest cure rate – up to 99 percent – for the two most common forms of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma), even if other forms of skin cancer treatment have failed. Mohs surgery offers both the highest possible chance of cure and the maximum preservation of normal skin tissue.
Mohs micrographic surgery is a unique procedure in which the physician serves as pathologist, oncologist, and reconstructive surgeon. Our Mohs surgeon has had extensive training in each of these areas.
He is experienced and skilled in the microscopic examination (pathology) of tumors, surgical removal of skin cancer, and reconstructive surgery of the skin and underlying structures. For more information about Mohs micrographic surgery skin cancer treatment, contact our Columbus, Ohio office and schedule a consultation and examination.
An outpatient procedure that is performed using a local anesthetic, Mohs micrographic surgery allows our Mohs surgeon to remove cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. The Mohs procedure includes a specific sequence of surgery and pathological investigation. Initially,our Mohs surgeon excises the skin cancer from the tumor site. Subsequently, our Mohs surgeon microscopically examines the removed tissue thoroughly to check for evidence of any remaining cancer. A “map” of the removed tissue is created to be used as a guide to the precise location of any remaining cancer cells. If necessary, another thin layer of tissue is removed from the specific area and the tissue is once again studied. This process continues layer-by-layer until the skin cancer is completely gone.
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After Mohs surgery, the patient will be offered cosmetically appropriate surgical reconstruction of the remaining wound with sutures, a skin graft, or a skin flap. In some cases, the wound may be left to heal on its own. As with any surgical or medical procedure, there are risks involved such as infection or bleeding. However, complications are rare. Our Mohs surgeon and the staff at Eastside Dermatology will apprise you of all the risks and benefits associated with Mohs micrographic surgery.
Other common skin cancer treatment procedures such as cutting, scraping, or freezing often prove ineffective because they rely solely on the human eye to determine the extent of the cancer. As a result, many surgeons destroy or remove too little malignant tissue, resulting in recurrence. Others, in an attempt to ensure the removal of the skin cancer, destroy or remove more healthy tissue than is necessary causing larger and more extensive scarring.
The Mohs micrographic surgery skin cancer treatment offers our Columbus and central Ohio patients the highest chance for complete removal of cancerous tissue. Cure rates exceed 99 percent for new cancers and are as high as 96 to 98 percent for recurrent cancers. In contrast, other forms of surgery offer only a 50 to 75 percent chance of eliminating cancers in which other treatments have failed. If you are considering skin cancer treatment, contact our Columbus, Ohio office and schedule a consultation.
