Skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in America, affecting a large number of men and women. While skin cancer is easily preventable through proper sun protection, many people don’t practice thorough enough protection from UV rays, increasing their chances of developing skin cancer. Regular skin cancer screenings can help to catch it early, and Mohs surgery is one of the most effective ways of eliminating certain types of skin cancer.
Dr. Soheil Simzar perfroms skin cancer screenings and is also qualified to perform Mohs surgery when it is needed.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, as it can spread quickly to other areas of the body if not caught quickly enough. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are not as deadly, but still need to be taken care of quickly. Mohs surgery is considered the best way to remove basal and squamous cell carcinomas, as it can completely remove cancerous cells without needing to remove healthy tissue.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It is rarely fatal, and can be treated very effectively through Mohs surgery. It can appear as an irregularly shaped blemish or blister, and can crust over or bleed. Squamous cell carcinoma often appears on the face, in the form of shiny or waxy patches. If left untreated, it can spread to the internal organs. Melanoma most often appears as a mole, and can spread quickly and dangerously throughout the body. Catching and treating melanoma at an early stage is vital for most effective management.
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery, also known as micrographic surgery, has long been considered a safe and effective means of eliminating skin cancer. Mohs surgery was developed by Dr. Frederick Mohs in the 1930s, and through the years has been continually used and refined. Mohs surgery can remove cancerous cells more efficiently than typical excision, because it does not require a margin of healthy skin tissue to be taken.
Mohs surgery involves the use of a microscope to inspect skin that is removed layer by layer. In this way, skin is microscopically examined for cancerous cells and removed as they are found. The precise nature of Mohs surgery allows for healthy tissue to be spared as much as possible, and ensures that all of the cancerous cells are removed. Mohs surgery is the best option for skin cancer that occurs in a sensitive area where as much healthy tissue as possible should be spared, for cancers that have a high risk of recurrence, and for cancers with hard to define borders. The dermatologists at Ava MD will determine if Mohs surgery is the best option for your skin cancer during your examination.
Schedule a Mohs Surgery Consultation
If you have or suspect that you have skin cancer, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with Dr. Ava and her associates. To learn more about Mohs surgery and to schedule your consultation, just call 310-843-9915 (Beverly Hills) or 310-828-2282 (Santa Monica) today!