MOHS Micrographic Surgery
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United State. When detected and treated early, 99% of skin cancers can be cured. Dr. Abrou specializes in Mohs surgery, a highly effective procedure used to treat skin cancer.
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, you need a physician who is exceptionally qualified, experienced, and compassionate. Physicians who are members of the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) have the highest level of training, completing at least 500 cases of Mohs surgery and reconstruction. Dr. Abrou is renowned among physicians and patients for his credentials and his dedication to patient care.
FAQ
MOHS Surgery
What is MOHS Surgery
Mohs surgery is an extremely precise and specialized skin cancer treatment. The surgeon only removes a thin layer of tissue at a time, examining each layer under the microscope to ensure all the cancer cells have been removed. This method preserves as much healthy skin as possible and reduces the need for additional treatment or surgeries.
Advantages of MOHS surgery
● It is the most effective procedure to treat skin cancer with the highest cure rate.
● It results in the smallest possible scar by preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
● Closures include reconstruction with the best cosmetic result in mind.
● It is performed in the outpatient setting without general anesthesia and can often be completed in a single visit.
● It reduces the risk of cancer recurring because the surgeon ensures that all cancer cells have been removed during the procedure.
Will MOHS surgery leave a scar
Any skin cancer treatment requiring surgery will result in some degree of scarring. After Dr. Abrou has completely removed your skin cancer during Mohs surgery, he will discuss reconstruction options for the closure. The focus of Mohs and reconstructive surgery is to provide you with the best functional and cosmetic results.
I don't see anything after my biopsy, do I really need treatment?
A biopsy may remove the visible signs of skin cancer, but this typically only represents the top part of a lesion. Skin cancer cells often branch out like tree roots into the deeper, wider layers of the skin. If these cells are not removed the tumor may recur and require even more extensive surgery. In some cases, they may even spread to lymph nodes and other organs.
Why does my skin cancer require MOHS?
Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate and is the most effective treatment for most types of skin cancer. It is particularly suited to skin cancer that:
● Occurs in an area where it is important to save healthy skin tissue for functional and cosmetic reasons, such as the face, eyelids, nose, lips, and ears.
● Has recurred after prior treatment or is located within scar tissue.
● Is large in size.
● Lacks clearly defined borders.
● Is developing quickly or is an aggressive type, such as infiltrating basal cell carcinoma.
● Develops in patients with organ transplants, leukemia, or other diseases that suppress the immune system.
In addition to the criteria above, there are many other skin cancers for which Mohs surgery is an appropriate option.
How long does MOHS surgery take?
The length of the procedure varies on the extent of the skin cancer and any reconstruction to be performed. Patients should plan to be in the office for up to half a day.
Is Mohs surgery the most cost-effective treatment option?
Yes. To understand the cost-effectiveness of Mohs surgery, it’s important to recognize several different factors, such as:
Success rate: Mohs surgery is the most effective and successful treatment for most types of skin cancer.
A number of procedures are needed: Due to the effectiveness of Mohs surgery, most patients require only a single surgery. That procedure typically includes both the complete and confirmed removal of the carcinoma with the closure of the wound.
Additional fees: Other methods may appear to be less expensive initially. However, those methods may require additional surgeries and separate pathology readings, each of which has associated separate costs. In contrast, a single Mohs surgery procedure includes the pathology readings with surgical repair.
BEMEDISPA
Testimonials
What People are Saying
“Fast, Easy, effective”
“My first experience at Beacon Dermatology was so fast, easy, and effective! George and Chelsea are helping me find a solution to treating my acne! They gave me step-by-step instructions and finally made me feel hopeful that I will have clear skin one day! I can’t recommend them enough based on their kindness!“
Raven C.
“Friendly and Caring staff”
“Dr Abrou was such a pleasure/treasure. He took the time to explain the procedure and made sure I was comfortable. My procedure was a few days from Christmas and it was clearly busy. He commented to one of his assistants on how much he appreciated her help during this busy time. That has to speak to his character. The staff was so friendly and caring also. Thank you to all at Beacon. I would recommend this practice for sure. “
Veronica S.
“Attentive and very accommodating”
“Everyone at this office including the receptionist, the staff and the doctor was attentive and very accommodating. Lourdes was so kind and very capable. Dr Abrou is the consummate specialist. I am so happy that my dermatologist sent me to this office.“
Mary H.