Skin cancer is a frightening diagnosis for anyone. There are approximately 8,500 people diagnosed with skin cancer in the U.S. every day and it is estimated that at least 1 in 5 people will personally receive that diagnosis at some point in their life. There are ways to reduce the odds of getting skin cancer, but no way to guarantee anyone is free from the risk. At this time, the best method of saving lives is early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Mohs micro-graphic surgery was developed almost 90 years ago, and with some updating and adjustments it has become one of the most effective ways of treating skin cancer. It is used today to treat the two most common forms of skin cancer, Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Not only is it effective for removing cancerous cells, but it is highly praised for its ability to do so while disturbing as little healthy skin as possible.
This form of medical dermatology is done by examining tissue cells while they are being excised. In other treatment methods, the doctor is required to remove the damaged skin, but must remove tissue surrounding that area as well. In order to prevent leaving behind cancer cells, more tissue is removed than believed necessary. By testing during the procedure, the doctor is able to remove only the tissue that has cancerous cells. The result is a smaller wound, less scarring and an easier and shorter healing process.
Methods are currently being developed to make it possible to use this process to remove melanoma as well. Because melanoma cells metastasize so quickly, it was feared that there may be cells left behind that could cause an increased risk to the patient. With the development of a new dye, the cells can now be identified during surgery. It is an advancement that could increase the effectiveness of even more surgical procedures.
Patients with a skin cancer diagnosis want their bodies to be healthy, but they also want to minimize scars and recover faster too. That is what this method has to offer the many patients who undergo the procedure, but more importantly, it saves lives. Mohs is able to successfully cure up to 99 percent of initial skin cancers and 95 percent of reoccurring incidents.