Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands in Omaha offers Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), the most effective treatment for the two most common types of skin cancer: basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. Developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs in the 1930s, Mohs surgery became the gold standard in treating skin cancer, especially after the frozen-tissue technique was introduced in the 1970s. Today, Mohs surgery remains the most successful treatment for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Why Choose Mohs Surgery in Omaha at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands?
About Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Skin Cancer Treatment
Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are extremely common, with more than 3 million cases annually in the United States. These cancers often develop in sun-exposed skin layers. At Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands in Omaha, NE, Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rate for these skin cancers. However, not all cases require this advanced procedure. While Mohs surgery has high cure rates, simpler surgeries are often sufficient for most cases of basal and squamous cell carcinoma. Mohs surgery is generally reserved for higher-risk skin cancers.
Put simply, even though Mohs surgery provides a high cure rate, it is often unnecessary for treating most basal and squamous cell carcinomas.
When is Mohs Surgery Necessary?
Most skin cancers can be treated with less invasive techniques. Mohs micrographic surgery is particularly suited for higher-risk skin cancers, especially those that are:
- microscopically aggressive
- Located in high-risk areas like the head, neck, fingers, toes, and genitals, where minimal healthy tissue removal is crucial
- Recurrent skin cancers that have returned after previous treatments
- Certain patients at higher risk due to weakened immune systems or genetic predispositions
For skin cancers meeting one or more of these criteria, Mohs surgery may be the optimal treatment option. Its precision allows complete removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Additional Treatment Options for Skin Cancer
While Mohs surgery is often used to treat basal cell skin cancers, other options such as radiation therapy may be considered. This is especially applicable if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or if surgery is unsuitable for the patient.
How is Mohs Surgery Performed?
Mohs surgery is typically an outpatient procedure but can take place in an operating room under general anesthesia for extensive cases requiring reconstruction.
- Anesthesia and Removal: The Mohs surgeon begins by numbing the area with a local anesthetic, then removes the cancerous skin along with a small margin of surrounding tissue.
- Tissue Examination: The removed tissue is specially marked and mapped in the lab. It is frozen in a cryostat, enabling thin slices for microscopic examination of the entire tissue margin.
- Further Excision if Needed: If cancer cells remain, additional tissue is removed and examined until all cancerous cells are cleared.
- Wound Repair: After ensuring the cancer is completely removed, the wound is closed, often with techniques to minimize scarring.
Removing Tissue
Mohs surgery includes a full check of the tissue margins under a microscope. Another key part is that the surgeon also acts as the pathologist.
They examine the slides prepared from the tissue for any remaining tumor. If any is identified, this can carefully be marked out on the map, and then any additional pieces of skin can be removed from the patient where necessary.
The process is then repeated until the skin cancer is completely removed. It is at this point that plans for the repair of any wounds left by the removal of the skin cancer can be made to close the wound and let the wound heal.
Mohs Surgery FAQs
Will Moh’s Surgery Leave a Scar?
Yes, scarring is possible, but the extent depends on factors like the lesion’s size, location, the surgeon’s skill, and individual healing. Our surgeons at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands use advanced techniques, including skin grafts if needed, to achieve the best cosmetic results. With proper care, scars often fade over time. Discuss any concerns with your surgeon to know what to expect.
How Much Does A Mohs Surgery Cost?
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a multi-step process, so it’s usually more expensive than other skin cancer treatments. However, it’s benefits—like saving healthy tissue and a lower chance of cancer returning—are important to consider when looking at the overall cost. For more information on insurance coverage or payment plans, please contact our billing department.
What are the Advantages of Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
Mohs Micrographic Surgery offers several advantages for the treatment of skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma:
- High Cure Rates: It boasts cure rates exceeding 95%.
- Tissue Preservation: Minimizes the removal of healthy tissue.
- Precise Margin Assessment: Ensures complete removal of cancerous cells.
- Cosmetic Outcome: Prioritizes minimal scarring and improved aesthetics.
- Outpatient Procedure: Usually performed without hospitalization.
- Minimized Scarring: Results in smaller, less noticeable scars.
- Local Anesthesia: Mohs surgery typically requires only local anesthesia.
- Faster Results: Same-day wound closure and reduced waiting time.
- Reduced Recurrence: Lower likelihood of cancer returning.
How Soon Will I Receive Results from Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery offers same-day margin analysis and wound closure, leading to faster results and potentially avoiding additional surgeries.
Why Can’t You Exercise After Mohs Surgery?
To reduce the risk of complications like infections, patients are advised to give their bodies enough time to heal following Mohs surgery.
It might be tempting to resume exercise right away, but it’s important to wait. Recovery time can vary greatly based on the wound’s size, depth, and the patient’s health and age.
Recovery can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks or months. Your doctor can provide a more accurate timeframe for your situation.
What Kind of Exercise Can I Do After Mohs Surgery?
Engaging in low-impact exercises that do not exert excessive pressure on the affected area is recommended after a surgical procedure.
Walking, swimming, yoga, and stretching are ideal activities to help you regain your fitness level without exerting undue pressure on the wound site. These exercises aid in enhancing blood flow and boosting flexibility while minimizing stress on the affected area.
While resuming physical activities after undergoing Mohs surgery is not a uniform process, there are some general guidelines that can assist in ensuring a successful recovery. Consult with an Omaha dermatologist for more information about resuming phyisical activity after Mohs Micrographic Surgery.
Mohs Surgery Omaha, NE
Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands (Omaha, NE & Council Bluffs, IA)
In addition to experience, special training is needed for a dermatologist to be a Mohs surgeon. At Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands, both of our board-certified dermatologists, Drs. James M Shehan and Mathew A. Davey are fellows of the American Society of Mohs Surgery.
The American Society of Mohs Surgery provides highly specialized ongoing training, testing, and certification for dermatologists who perform Mohs micrographic surgery on high-risk skin cancer cells. Dr. Davey and Dr. Shehan have more than 20 years of combined experience in performing the Mohs surgery technique in practice.
If you have additional questions regarding this Omaha’s Mohs surgical treatment for skin cancer, please contact Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands.
