December 7, 2023
Mohs surgery is a specialized technique for treating skin cancer. It was developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in the 1930s, and it has since become one of the most reliable treatments for skin cancer available today. In this article, we'll look at what makes Mohs surgery so effective, how you can find a qualified surgeon in Orange City or Palm Coast, and what to consider when choosing a dermatologist for your needs. Overview of Mohs Surgery Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure that involves removing thin layers of tissue from the affected area until all visible traces of cancer have been removed from the body. The advantage of this approach is that it allows surgeons to precisely target only areas where there are still signs of cancer while sparing healthy tissue nearby. This helps ensure that patients receive maximum benefit with minimal discomfort or scarring after treatment. The primary goal of any kind of skin-cancer treatment is complete removal without leaving behind any residual malignancy cells which could cause recurrence later on down the road; however, traditional methods often require large incisions which may leave some residual tumor cells intact due to their inability to be seen beneath thicker layers of skin during conventional surgeries such as excisional biopsy (removal) or cryosurgery (freezing). With Mohs surgical technique however, these smaller tumors can be more easily identified since they are revealed layer by layer until no further evidence remains - thus reducing risk for recurrence significantly compared with other forms of treatment. Additionally, because less tissue needs to be removed overall due to its precise targeting capabilities – recovery times tend to be shorter than those associated with more invasive procedures like radiation therapy or chemotherapy as well! Benefits Of Mohs Surgery There are many benefits associated with undergoing Mohs surgery over other types of treatments: firstly it offers excellent cure rates (upwards 95%) when used correctly; secondly, it preserves surrounding healthy tissue while still achieving total tumor destruction; thirdly, it minimizes potential scarring/disfigurement due to its precision targeting methodologies; fourthly, there tends not only to be faster healing time but also quicker return back into daily activities post-procedure versus other alternatives too! Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, because fewer tissues need removal overall costs associated with this type of procedure tend to be much lower than those related alternative therapies like radiation therapy, chemo, etc. making them great options both financially and medically speaking alike! Finding A Qualified Surgeon Finding a qualified surgeon who specializes in performing mohs surgeries can seem daunting if you don't know where to start looking. Luckily though, there are plenty of resources available to help make the process easier! First, you should check out online directories such as the American College Physicians Directory, Physician Referral Services, Yellow Pages, etc. in order to locate a local specialists near you and then contact them directly. Ask questions about experience, qualifications, credentials, etc. before deciding whether they are the right fit for your particular situation. What To Look For In A MOHS Surgeon? When researching potential candidates it is important to keep a few things in mind first and foremost you want to verify credentials through relevant certifying bodies. Second, inquire about the success rates of past cases. Lastly, inquire cost estimates upfront to avoid surprises down the road. Ultimately though, the goal here is to find someone you can trust and who understands your condition and is willing to take the time to explain the risks. Dr. Ross Wheeler at Skin Dermatology in Orange City and Palm Coast is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. He specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery and is a member of the American Society for Mohs Surgery. Call us at 386-256-1969 and set up your consultation today!