The Role of Mohs Surgery in Skin Cancer Treatment

Although skin cancer is a highly common and usually treatable cancer, the diagnosis still can be frightening and overwhelming. Patients who are diagnosed with cancer may undergo anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. One of the best remedies for feelings of ill-ease related to a cancer diagnosis is patient education. For patients located in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Aesthetic Dermatology Associates is an expert, state-of-the-art dermatology practice with locations in Media & Paoli, PA. We have a comprehensive practice comprised of skilled and experienced physicians. Dr. Jamie F. Altman, Dr. Gopal A. Patel, Dr. Laura Schilling, Dr. Elizabeth Marvin, Dr. Matthew Halpern, Dr. Aimee Krausz, Dr. Amy Leib, and Dr. James Ko have a vast understanding of treating patients with skin cancer and other dermatological conditions.

What is Mohs Surgery?

Following a skin cancer diagnosis, many patients with early-stage skin cancer are recommended to undergo Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a highly effective treatment for skin cancer that has not yet spread to other parts of the body. Mohs surgery is often recommended to treat squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Because Mohs surgery can only be performed on skin cancer in its early stages, it is recommended that patients who suspect they or a loved one have skin cancer seek the care of a qualified dermatologist immediately.

Mohs surgery is a process of microscopically and precisely removing cancerous skin tissue. This procedure removes the cancerous cells layer by layer and targets diseased tissue while minimizing harm and removal of healthy tissue. Because Mohs surgery is exact, the process involves minimal scarring. During the surgery, the doctor will carefully remove a layer of tissue from the tumor and then examine the deep edges and sides under a microscope. If the surgeon finds evidence of skin cancer at the margins of the sample, the doctor will return and remove another layer of cancer. This process may continue for several hours or all day, depending upon the size and depth of the cancerous tumor.

Benefits of Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery was first developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, and the procedure has been refined and developed with more advanced technology over the decades. This makes the surgery time-tested and highly effective.

• Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure performed by Aesthetic Dermatology Associates in Media & Paoli, PA.
• Mohs surgery is advantageous because it minimizes scarring of healthy tissue and is recommended for skin cancers on the face, ears, scalp, feet, hands, and genitals. 
• Mohs surgery has up to a 99% success rate.

If you suspect you have skin cancer near Media & Paoli, PA, contact Aesthetic Dermatology Associates today for an appointment. It could save your life! Media office: (610) 566-7300 and Paoli office: (610) 647-4161.