Drs. Elizabeth Callahan and William Adams of Sarasota, FL, are dermatologists at SkinSmart Dermatology and provide a wide selection of cosmetic and medical dermatology services. This includes specialized treatments for skin cancer, such as Mohs micrographic surgery.
What is Mohs micrographic surgery?
Our team describes Mohs micrographic surgery as a specialized type of skin cancer treatment that can be used to remove certain types of skin cancer. The goal of Mohs surgery is to remove cancer while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.
The procedure is named after Dr. Mohs. He developed the technique in the 1930s. During Mohs surgery, the doctor removes thin layers of cancer-containing skin one at a time. Each skin layer is then examined under a microscope to see if it contains any cancer cells.
This process is continually repeated until all of the layers of skin are free from cancer cells. Mohs surgery has a higher success rate for treating various types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
If you have received a diagnosis of skin cancer, your doctor will likely recommend Mohs surgery if the cancer is large, aggressive, or located in a visible area of your body. The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, which means you won’t need to stay in the hospital overnight.
What types of cancer may warrant Mohs micrographic surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is used to treat a number of different types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. In general, this type of surgery is reserved for cancers that are large, aggressive or have recurred after other treatment methods have been tried.
Mohs surgery is particularly effective in treating skin cancer that has developed in areas where preservation of healthy tissue is critical, such as on the face or hands. This type of surgery can also be used to treat cancers that have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
How do I learn more about this and other skin cancer solutions?
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, your dermatologist will help make a recommendation for effective treatment based on the type, size, location, and stage of cancer. Drs. Elizabeth Callahan and William Adams can evaluate the area of concern and offer a definitive diagnosis before creating an appropriate treatment plan. Call 941-308-7546 to request an appointment in Sarasota, FL.
