What Is Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery is a procedure for removing cancerous cells from the skin for patients diagnosed with various types of skin cancer. Mohs doctorsurgery relies on a micrographic technique, which is a highly effective method for removing cancerous cells while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. Mohs surgery has a cure rate of nearly 99 percent for most skin cancers when caught early. At North County Dermatology Center, Dr. David Thomas, Dr. Margaret Hobson Dupree, and Dr. William Burrows are your dermatologists for Mohs surgery in Encinitas.

Benefits of Mohs Surgery

There are several benefits to choosing Mohs surgery as a method for treating skin cancer. At almost 99 percent, Mohs surgery has one of the highest cure rates of the different methods for treating skin cancer. Additionally, due to its advanced micrographic technique for removing cancerous cells, Mohs surgery conserves more healthy tissue than other similar treatment methods. In Encinitas, Mohs surgery is performed at North County Dermatology Center.

The Procedure

Mohs surgery utilizes a micrographic technique to remove cancerous tissue while sparing healthy tissue. Local anesthesia is administered to the surgery site and patients remain awake during the procedure. Any visible tumor is removed from the skin and examined under a microscope to determine if the tumor is malignant or benign. If the tumor is malignant, the area around the tumor site will be mapped out.

Once the affected area is mapped, small portions of surrounding tissue will be removed and examined under the microscope to check for cancerous cells. This process of removing and examining small samples of skin tissue at a time continues until all the cancer has been eliminated. If a large area of skin had to be removed during the procedure, a skin graft or tissue flap is performed to cover the area back up. If the area is small, it will be stitched closed.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer to affect individuals in the U.S. Mohs surgery is one of the most effective methods for treating most types of skin cancer. To learn more about Mohs surgery in Encinitas, CA, schedule a consultation with Dr. Thomas, Dr. Hobson Dupree, or Dr. Burrows by calling North County Dermatology Center at (760) 230-2805.

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