10 Pod Project Mohs Surgery Pp

MOHS SURGERY: Skin Cancer Solved

Basal Cell Carcinoma 

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Basal cell carcinoma : The most common form of cancer formed when the Basal cell layer of the epidermis acquires malignant growth. Causes: Sun exposure acts as the major cause of basal cell carcinoma.

Melanoma  

Melanoma: The most curable yet most fatal form of skin cancer. Causes: Exposure to UVA and UVB rays, moles, family/personal history, and weakened immune system.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma 

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Squamous Cell Carcinoma: SCC, the second most common form of skin cancer, is caused by irregular cell growth in the outermost layer of the skin. Causes: Sun exposure, skin type, previous skin cancers, and weakened immunity.

What is MOHS?  

MOHS is a surgical procedure used to treat skin cancers. MOHS has the highest cure rate for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.

Advantages

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Preserves more skin tissue compared to other surgical options when treating skin cancer. Allows surgeons to conduct precise removal of the cancer because they are able to trace areas of the cancer that are invisible to the naked eye.

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Doesn’t require general anesthesia.

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Disadvantages   

Long and tedious for the surgeon. May become costly for different skin cancer situations. Not always available to all skin cancer patients.

Technique   

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The physician makes a reference map of the area to be excised. Then, local anesthesia is injected. Some physicians use a curette to remove one section of the infected tissue around the cancerous site. Each section is removed separately and examined in the laboratory. After a MOHS surgeon examines the infected section, the entire evaluation is repeated until all the cancer is removed.

Post Surgery 

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The wound usually heals by itself within four to eight weeks with little to no scarring. Physical activities will need to be restricted after surgery. Although not recommended, other surgical procedures can be conducted to correct possible scars.