 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||||
|
|||||||
 |
 |
How is skin cancer treated, and how successful is it?
There are several effective treatments for these tumors. Therapies such as surgery, radiation, freezing with liguid nitrogen, burning with electric current have a greater than 90% cure rate.
For tumors that have recurred following the above treatments, or for cancers in difficult-to-treat sites, a surgical technique called Mohs Micrographic Surgery offers the best chance for total removal with the highest cure rate possible of 99%.
What is Mohs Micrographic Outpatient Surgery?
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the most advanced and effective treatment procedure for skin cancer available today. The procedure is performed by specially trained dermatologic surgeons who have completed at least one additional year of certified fellowship training under a regulated director in one of the 40 programs nationwide. Membership in the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) is your assurance that your physician is experienced and reliable. Joe Cvancara, MD and Joel Sears, MD are fellowship-trained ACMS dermatologic surgeons and the only Mohs surgeons with this prestigious accreditation in the Inland Northwest. Please visit the ACMS website at http://www.mohscollege.org/about/video_patient_education.php for a wonderful 8 minute Patient Education video.
In the early 1940's, Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, Professor of Surgery at the University of Wisconsin, developed this procedure of utilizing a microscope, mapping and marking (hence the name micrographic) to evaluate 100% of the skin margin. Named in honor of his contribution, the Mohs procedure is a state-of-the-art treatment that has been continuously refined. With the Mohs technique, your physician is able to see beyond the visible disease and to perform a systematic microscopic search that tracks skin cancer down to its roots. It offers the highest chance for identification and complete removal of the skin cancer layer by layer while sparing the normal surrounding healthy tissue leaving it intact and unharmed. As the most exact and precise method of tumor removal, it minimizes the chance of re-growth and lessens the potential for scarring or disfigurement.
Because your physician is specially trained in surgery, pathology, and reconstruction, Mohs surgery has the highest success rate of all treatments for skin cancer - up to 99 percent. Clinical studies conducted at various national and international medical institutions - including the Mayo Clinic, the University of Miami School of Medicine and Royal Perth Hospital in Australia - demonstrate that Mohs surgery provides five-year cure rates which exceed 99 percent for new cancers, and 95 percent for recurrent cancers.
 |
Why Does My Skin Cancer Need Mohs Surgery?
Mohs Surgery is appropriate when:
- The cancer is in an area where it is important to preserve healthy tissue for maximum functional and cosmetic result, such as eyelids, nose, ears, lips, fingers, toes, genitals
- The cancer was treated previously and recurred
- Scar tissue exists in the area of the cancer
- The cancer is large
- The edges of the cancer cannot be clearly defined
- The cancer is growing rapidly or uncontrollably
What are the advantages of Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
- Cure rate: Mohs Surgery has the highest cure rate of any comparable procedure (99%)
- Low impact: The Mohs procedure has the lowest functional and cosmetic morbidity
- Convenience: This outpatient procedure uses local anesthesia in a comfortable, easily accessible facility
- Economy: Mohs surgery is highly cost-effective compared to other surgical options
What can I expect if I am scheduled for Mohs Surgery?
The Process
Please visit the ACMS website at for a wonderful 8 minute Patient Education video:
http://www.mohscollege.org/about/video_patient_education.php
Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure performed in an Ambulatory Surgical Care unit for your safety at Advanced Dermatology's building. It starts early in the morning and can be completed the same day, depending on the extent of the tumor and the amount or reconstruction necessary. Local anesthesia is administered around the area of the tumor so the patient is awake during the entire procedure.
Reconstruction - Repairing the Wound
Your fellowship-trained ACMS Mohs surgeon is also trained in reconstructive procedures and will most often perform the necessary reconstruction to repair the wound.
As soon as the affected area is declared cancer-free, the Mohs surgeon discusses post-surgical options with the patient such as:
A small, simple wound may be allowed to heal on its own. a slightly larger wound may be closed with stitches.
Larger wounds may require a skin graft or a flap. if the tumor is very large, another surgeon with special skills may be called upon to assist with reconstruction.
Post-Surgical Management
Post-surgical check-ups are recommended in order to monitor the patient's progress and spot any possible cancer recurrence in a timely manner.
Since two of five patients with one skin cancer will develop another within five years, follow up is extremely important for early detection of any new lesions.
How do I make an appointment?
Please call (509) 456-7414 or 1-800-247-9519 to inform the Mohs scheduling secretary of your need for evaluation and treatment, and we will prioritize the appointment.
Joseph L. Cvancara, MD
Joel K. Sears, MD
Copyright (c) 2009 Advanced Dermatology & Skin Surgery |
