MOHS MICROGRAPHIC SURGERY
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a state-of-the-art procedure for removing certain types of skin cancers. Mohs Micrographic Surgery,an advanced treatment procedure for skin cancer, offers the highest cure rate- even on previously treated skin cancers. This precise and exacttechnique utilizing a microscope to track out the tumor roots is performed
under local anesthesia in the office. This procedure allows Dr. Kayal to see beyond the visible disease, and to precisely identify and remove the entire tumor, leaving healthy tissue unharmed. This procedure is most often used in treating two of the most common forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, some malignant melanomas on the head and neck are successfully treated using the Mohs surgery technique.
The cure rate for Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the highest of all treatments for skin cancer -up to 99 percent even if other forms of treatment have failed.
This procedure, the most exact and precise method of tumor removal, minimizes the chance of re-growth and lessens the potential for scarring or disfiguration.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery evolved from Mohs Chemosurgery. This procedure was eveloped by Frederic E. Mohs, M.D. in the 1930s. The Mohs Micrographic Surgical procedure has been refined and perfected for more than half a century. Initially,Dr. Mohs removed tumors with a chemosurgical technique. A paste was applied to the patient and after a period of time, thin layers of tissue were excised and frozen before being microscopically examined. He developed a unique technique of color-coding excised specimens and created a mapping process to accurately identify the location of remaining cancerous cells.
As the process evolved, surgeons refined the technique and now excise the tumor,remove layers of tissue and examine the fresh tissue immediately. The chemosurgical technique developed by Dr. Mohs is no longer used. This reduces the normal treatment time to one visit and allows for immediate reconstruction of the wound. The heart of
the procedure the color-coded mapping of excised specimens and their thorough microscopic examination remains the definitive part of the Mohs Micrographic Surgical procedure.
Clinical studies have shown that Mohs Micrographic Surgery has a five-year cure rate up to 99 percent in the treatment of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. This high cure rate makes this a cost effective procedure.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery preserves the maximum amount of normal skin and results smaller scars. Repairs are more often simple and involve fewer complicated reconstructive procedures. The best method of managing the wound resulting from surgery is determined after the cancer is completely removed. When the final defect is known, management is individualized to achieve the best results and to preserve functional capabilities and maximize aesthetics. The Mohs surgeon is also trained in reconstructive procedures and often will perform the reconstructive procedure necessary to repair the wound. A small wound may be allowed to heal on its own, or the wound may be closed with stitches, and skin graft or a flap. If a tumor is larger than initially anticipated, another surgical specialist with unique skills may complete the reconstruction training.
The American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology currently recognizes more than 60 training centers where qualified applicants receive comprehensive training in Mohs Micrographic Surgery. The minimum training period is one year during which the dermatologist acquires extensive experience in all aspects of Mohs Surgery, pathology and training in reconstructive Surgery.
|