When patients are facing a skin cancer diagnosis, they are interested in learning about the methods to remove the cancerous skin cells to begin recovery. Dr. Kenneth Neal of Washington Dermatology Consultants offers a treatment called Mohs Surgery in Arlington, VA.
Mohs micrographic surgery is a method used to remove skin cells that have been diagnosed as cancerous, such as melanoma. Skin cancer appears on the upper layer of the skin and is visible, allowing a dermatologist to remove the cancerous cells surgically in hopes of fully removing the cancer from the body. In many cases, this is a very effective and safe method of skin cancer removal.
Mohs is perfect for patients who are having cancerous cells removed on visible areas of the body. This is because it removes as few non-cancerous skin cells as possible. When patients are having skin cancer lesions removed from the face, lips, or other highly visible areas, they want to ensure that the effects of surgery are not extremely noticeable. Mohs surgery is very precise. It requires a mohs surgeon such as Dr. Kenneth Neal to remove just the cancerous cells. This is done by using a microscope to remove one layer of skin at a time. These layers are examined with a microscope to check for cancerous cells, and another layer is taken until no more cancerous cells are shown. This surgery offers the highest rate of cure for those with skin cancer.
A few side effects may occur due to Mohs surgery. Patients may experience infection of the surgical area, discomfort, scarring, and bleeding. Many of these are temporary and can be treated by a doctor to ensure smooth recovery. Stitches are placed after treatment and are removed at a follow-up appointment with Dr. Kenneth Neal approximately one to two weeks after the initial surgery. Patients are given specific instructions on aftercare once they have undergone treatment.
If you have recently received a skin cancer diagnosis, it is time to visit Washington Dermatology Consultants today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kenneth Neal to find out if Mohs micrographic surgery is right for you. We are conveniently located in Arlington, VA and can assist both new and existing patients in our practice.
