Is Mohs surgery recommended for melanoma?
While a skin cancer diagnosis can be scary, you are not alone. Dr. M. Christine Lee of The Skin and Laser Treatment Institute is a dermatologist “near me” in the Walnut Creek, California area who has helped hundreds of patients with a definitive diagnosis eradicate their skin cancer. To do this, she often suggests advanced techniques such as Mohs surgery for melanoma.
How does Mohs micrographic surgery remove skin cancer?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a very specialized type of skin cancer treatment. It removes cancerous tissue from the body, including squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and, more prevalently, melanoma. The procedure involves the removal of a thin layer of skin around the tumor, which allows for the precise excision of any cancer cells. Once removed, these layers are examined under a microscope one by one to identify any remaining cancerous cells that may be present. This allows for the complete removal of cancer cells with minimal damage to healthy tissue surrounding the area.
What are the benefits of Mohs surgery for skin cancer removal?
The advantages of this method of skin cancer removal include:
- Improved accuracy and precision as it enables Dr. Lee and her team to visualize the margins of the excision precisely
- Reduction in time spent on surgeries due to the exact and efficient process
- Minimally invasive, with a small incision that can easily be closed and repaired, resulting in minimal scarring
- Increased likelihood of cure as all visible cancer is removed, allowing for more thorough removal
- Lesser need for reconstructive surgery since healthy tissue remains intact, making it perfect for areas of high visibility, such as the face and hands
- Overall improved patient outcome and satisfaction
Because of the many advantages of this surgical removal for skin cancer, it continues to be a highly recommended treatment for patients who do not want invasive cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. Mohs micrographic surgery is a type of excision that is far more thorough than other methods performed by dermatologists, in which large areas of skin are removed without checking the margins throughout the procedure. With Mohs micrographic surgery, the precise areas are found, and only the unhealthy tissue is removed through the surgical process.
How do I take care of my surgical wound after Mohs micrographic surgery?
Little skin is removed during the process, thanks to the precision in removing the cancer layer by layer. Stitches are often used to close up the treated area, and all patients are given aftercare instructions to facilitate proper healing after their procedure. This will reduce the risk of infection and other complications that often arise with any surgery.
Is Mohs surgery for melanoma right for me?
If you or someone you know are thinking about Mohs micrographic surgery to remove skin cancer, contact Dr. M. Christine Lee at The Skin and Laser Treatment Institute of Walnut Creek, California, to learn more about this procedure and its potential benefits.
We proudly serve clients from the surrounding cities and encourage individuals to call (925) 528-0117 to schedule an appointment at our office.
Dr. Min-Wei Christine Lee
Dr. Christine Lee is a Board-certified Dermatologist with sub-specialties in laser surgery, cosmetic surgery, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, facial plastic reconstruction, and dermatologic surgery. She leads The Skin And Laser Treatment Institute as its Director and serves as Clinical Faculty for the Department of Dermatologic Surgery at the University of California San Francisco. Patients travel from across the globe for her expertise, and Dr. Lee has trained thousands of stateside and international doctors.
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