Mohs surgery refers to a specific type of precise surgical technique used mainly to treat various skin cancers, especially those located in an anatomically sensitive location or those cancers with a high rate of recurrence. If you live or work in the greater Encinitas, CA vicinity and would like additional information regarding Mohs surgery, contact Dr. David Thomas, Dr. Margaret Dupree, or Dr. Camille Henninger of North County Dermatology Center today.
Who is a Candidate for Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery involves removing skin cancer one layer at a time – with each layer microscopically examined until no cancer cells are present. Candidates for Mohs surgery, which may also be known as Mohs micrographic surgery, typically include treating those people with -
Basal Cell Carcinoma
This skin cancer, which ranks among the most common, can be effectively treated by Mohs surgery. This is especially true if the cancer is in a location where conserving tissue is essential – i.e., the face, hands, etc.
Skin Cancers
- Located in Sensitive Areas
Mohs surgery is preferred for skin cancers on the face, eyelids, lips, ears, nose, scalp, fingers, and genital area, where tissue preservation and cosmetic outcomes are essential. - With Unclear Borders
Mohs surgery is effective for cancers with undefined borders. - That is High Risk
Skin cancers with a high risk of reoccurring are successfully treated with Mohs Surgery.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Mohs surgery is helpful for larger, more aggressive squamous cell cancer or where tissue preservation is vital.
Large or Aggressive Tumors
Mohs surgery delivers high precision, which can be beneficial when treating large or aggressive tumors.
Immunocompromised individuals
Those who are challenged with a weakened immune system (for example, those who have received a transplanted organ) may be more prone to skin cancer and find great benefit from Mohs surgery.
Not every individual with skin cancer will be a suitable candidate for Mohs surgery. The decision for Mohs surgery will be based on various relevant factors that are unique to its client’s circumstance but typically include the following –
- The type of skin cancer.
- The location of the cancer.
- The aggressiveness and size of the skin cancer.
- The patient’s overall health.
Contact a Leading Encinitas, CA Dermatology Group Today
For additional info regarding the benefits of Mohs surgery, contact Dr. Thomas, Dr. Dupree, Dr. Henninger, or a member of our North County Dermatology Center staff at (760) 276-3005 and online.