One of my three board certifications is in Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery, also known as Mohs.
Mohs surgery is often recommended for the face, due to the precision of removal and very high cure rate. With Mohs Micrographic Surgery, the tumor is removed and then thin tissue samples are removed and examined under a microscope until no more cancerous cells are found. This way healthy skin is preserved.
Designed by Frederic E. Mohs, M.D., the surgery excises not only the visible tumor but also any “roots” that may have extended beneath the surface of the skin.
This procedure is most commonly used for the treatment of basal and squamous cell carcinomas, the two most common types of skin cancer, although it can also be used to treat melanoma and other types of cancer. Mohs surgery is often recommended for recurring cancer because its results are so thorough. As mentioned above, it is ideal for treating cancer in cosmetically and functionally prominent areas such as the nose, eyelids, lips, hairline, hands, feet and genitals.
Compared to other skin cancer treatments, Mohs Surgery has a very high success rate. Basal cell carcinomas have a 97 to 99% cure rate, while squamous cell carcinomas are cured 94% of the time.
After cancer was removed and before the skin graft.
My patient 3 1/2 months after Mohs and her skin graft.
I performed Mohs surgery on the patient above and then did a skin graft. She had a basal cell cancer on her ear. The second photo was taken 3 1/2 months after her surgeries. Her face mask is pulling her ear forward in the “after” photo.
Mohs is ideal for treating cancer in cosmetically and functionally prominent areas such as the ears, nose, eyelids, lips, hairline, hands and feet.
The exam and board certification demonstrates that I have the knowledge, experience and skills to be a specialist in Mohs.
Does a doctor have to be board certified to practice medicine? No.
But as a patient you want a physician who stays up-to-date with the latest developments, medicines and treatments in her specialty. Board certification means your doctor has gone above and beyond the many years of education required for a medical license by passing the exams given by her specialty’s governing body.
