You Should Know Mohs

Featured in SCV Magazine

Most people are knowledgeable about skin cancer, what causes it and how to prevent it. What most people are not aware of, though, is what their options are in treating it. In fact, the treatment for cancer with the highest reported cure rate, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, is rarely mentioned in media reports about the growing spread of cancer!

Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the best method of skin cancer treatment that can eliminate all of the “roots” and extensions of the cancer while preserving the most amount of the normal tissue that surrounds the cancerous tissue! Mohs is an outpatient treatment in that the patient is awake during the entire procedure and can return home while experiencing only mild discomfort that can usually be relieved with Tylenol. Even though Mohs leaves the smallest scars versus other skin cancer treatments, there may be some swelling or bruising around the wounded area initially.

Mohs is covered by most insurance policies and is often recommended for instances in which patients have recurring skin cancer, high risk cancer, or cancer located in areas that are critical for cosmetic or functional purposes. For this reason, one might want to find a highly skilled Mohs physician who can also perform post-operational cosmetic enhancements. Physicians who offer laser resurfacing, chemical peeling and/or injectable implants are particularly well suited to offer skin cancer surgery and cosmetic enhancements in the same facility.

Only dermatologists perform the exacting Mohs Micrographic surgery. If you have skin cancer, make sure you consult with a dermatologist skilled in Mohs surgery, dermatologic surgery and dermatopathology and that they have the proper facilities for needed laboratory work. The physician must be supported by a nursing staff trained in Mohs and histotechnology. You can find a physician who is a member of the American Society for Mohs Surgery by visiting their Website at www.mohssurgery.org

For more information about Mohs Micrographic Surgery, you can also contact the Mohs Micrographic Surgery Center of America, Bernard I. Raskin, MD Medical Director in Valencia at 661.254.3686 for a consultation, or visit our Website at www.CreatingBeauty.com.