While skin cancers are common, and many are easily cured with simple procedures, some require more specialized techniques to improve cure and reduce scarring. For these more concerning cancers, Mohs Micrographic Surgery offers the highest cure and best scarring. Dermatologists of Birmingham provides Mohs micrographic surgery for those living in Birmingham, Alabaster and surrounding areas in Alabama.
What is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery has become one of the best methods for removing skin cancers including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The technique enables the surgeon to preserve the maximum amount of healthy tissue while also removing all the cancer cells. This technique eliminates the guesswork that is associated with other methods. Instead of examining removed tissue after the procedure is complete, Mohs surgery allows for minute examination of all excised tissue during the excision process. Accordingly, the surgeon can be certain to an exacting degree that all cancerous cells have been removed.
Benefits of Mohs Surgery
When compared with other skin cancer treatments, Mohs micrographic surgery is extraordinarily precise. Because of this precision, studies prove it offers a higher cure rate than other standard treatments. This is higher cure rate is especially important for more aggressive skin cancers. And because of the precision, more healthy tissue is preserved to reduce the scarring from surgery.
When is Mohs Micrographic Surgery Recommended?
Mohs surgery is the most precise method of removing cancerous tissue. It is most often used for more aggressive types of skin cancers as well as those on more cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, nose, ears, and other areas. Mohs surgery is used for squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas but doesn’t always work well for melanoma.
What to Expect from a Mohs Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure in our state-of-the-art medical facility. Most treatments are scheduled to begin in the morning because the entire process can take several hours depending upon the size and depth of the tumor being removed. Only local anesthesia is required before the doctor begins removing the tissue that is visibly affected by the cancer. The removed tissue is then microscopically examined for complete removal of the cancer referred to as clear margins. If there is no clear margin, then the doctor will remove an additional layer, which will also be examined for clear margins. This process is repeated until all affected tissue has been removed. Once fully removed, the surgeon will repair the wound in the best manner to reduce scarring.
How Much Does Mohs Micrographic Surgery Cost in Birmingham?
Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer treatment may be covered by your medical insurance. For your out-of-pocket expenses, we accept payment by cash, checks and major credit cards. Dermatologists of Birmingham also offers financing.
Mohs micrographic surgery is one of the best ways to treat skin cancers, and it is especially beneficial for more challenging cases. Contact Dermatologists of Birmingham today to schedule a skin cancer evaluation and learn more about our Mohs surgery option.
*Individual results may vary. The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a qualified physician.