Patients in the Stafford area who are facing a diagnosis of skin cancer may be overwhelmed with the news. However, when quickly attended to, skin cancer can be removed with excision or Mohs micrographic surgery by Dr. Kenneth Neal. Mohs micrographic surgery is considered the most effective way of eliminating the cancerous skin cells from the body and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Mohs micrographic surgery was developed in the 30’s by Dr. Frederick Mohs who used this treatment for removing basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer on the body. In order to have treatment done, patients must have received a positive diagnosis of cancerous skin cells.
Mohs micrographic surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. Patients are awake during the treatment; local anesthetics are used for comfort. The malignant tissue is removed by layers. Every layer is analyzed by the doctor to check for cancerous cells in order to ensure all of it is removed. Sometimes, cancerous cells go deep into the skin, so by excising the tissues this way, it ensures complete removal of the skin cancer for the best possible outcome.
The benefit of excision via Mohs micrographic surgery over traditional methods of surgical excision is the ability to examine the cancerous tissues during removal, while maintaining the most normal tissue possible for less cosmetic intrusion.
Patients who are the best candidates for Mohs surgery in Stafford are those who have had reoccurring cancers or those who are at a high risk for reoccurrence. It is also beneficial for individuals who have developed skin cancer on areas of the body such as the face, hands, feet, or the genitals—any place on the body where cosmetics and functionality are important.
The team at Washington Dermatology Consultants is happy to provide the treatment patients need to maintain their health and wellbeing even after a diagnosis of skin cancer. Contact our practice in the Stafford area if you are interested in learning more about Mohs micrographic surgery versus conventional excision.
