Mohs: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 22:37, 15 December 2024

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery, commonly referred to as Mohs surgery, is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. Developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in the 1930s, this procedure is renowned for its high cure rate and tissue-sparing properties. It is primarily used to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the two most common types of skin cancer.

History[edit]

The technique was developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, a general surgeon, who initially called it "chemosurgery" due to the use of a chemical fixative. Over time, the procedure evolved to use fresh tissue, allowing for immediate microscopic examination of the excised tissue.

Procedure[edit]

Mohs surgery is performed in stages, including:

Excision: The visible tumor is surgically removed with a thin layer of surrounding tissue.
Mapping and Orientation: The excised tissue is mapped and marked to maintain orientation.
Microscopic Examination: The tissue is frozen, sectioned, and examined under a microscope to check for cancerous cells.
Additional Excision: If cancerous cells are found at the margins, additional layers are excised and examined until clear margins are achieved.

This stepwise approach ensures that all cancerous cells are removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

Indications[edit]

Mohs surgery is indicated for:

Skin cancers with poorly defined borders
Recurrent skin cancers
Cancers located in cosmetically sensitive areas (e.g., face, ears, hands)
Large or aggressive tumors

Advantages[edit]

The primary advantages of Mohs surgery include:

High Cure Rate: Mohs surgery has a cure rate of up to 99% for primary BCC and SCC.
Tissue Conservation: By removing only cancerous tissue, Mohs surgery minimizes scarring and preserves healthy tissue.
Immediate Results: The entire procedure, including pathology, is completed in one visit, providing immediate results.

Limitations[edit]

While Mohs surgery is highly effective, it may not be suitable for all types of skin cancer, such as melanoma, unless specific techniques are used. It is also a time-consuming procedure that requires specialized training and equipment.

Training and Certification[edit]

Dermatologists and surgeons who perform Mohs surgery undergo specialized training in dermatologic surgery and pathology. Certification is often provided by professional organizations such as the American College of Mohs Surgery.

Also see[edit]

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-'''Mohs surgery''' is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. During Mohs surgery, thin layers of cancer-containing skin are progressively removed and examined until only cancer-free tissue remains. Mohs surgery is also known as Mohs micrographic surgery.
+Mohs Micrographic Surgery
-The goal of Mohs surgery is to remove as much of the skin cancer as possible, while doing minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Mohs surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis using a local anesthetic.
+Mohs micrographic surgery, commonly referred to as Mohs surgery, is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. Developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in the 1930s, this procedure is renowned for its high cure rate and tissue-sparing properties. It is primarily used to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the two most common types of skin cancer.
-Mohs surgery is an improvement to standard surgery (local excision), which removes the visible cancer and a small margin of healthy tissue all at once. Mohs surgery allows surgeons to verify that all cancer cells have been removed at the time of surgery. This increases the chance of a cure and reduces the need for additional treatments or additional surgery.
+==History==
+The technique was developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, a general surgeon, who initially called it "chemosurgery" due to the use of a chemical fixative. Over time, the procedure evolved to use fresh tissue, allowing for immediate microscopic examination of the excised tissue.
 ==Procedure==
-Mohs surgery is done in stages, all in one visit, while the patient waits between each stage. After removing a layer of tissue, the surgeon examines it under a microscope in an on-site lab. If any cancer cells remain, the surgeon knows the exact area where they are and removes another layer of tissue from that precise location, while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. The process is repeated until no cancer cells remain.
+Mohs surgery is performed in stages, including:
-==Uses==
+# '''[[Excision]]''': The visible tumor is surgically removed with a thin layer of surrounding tissue.
-Mohs surgery is used to treat the most common skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as some kinds of melanoma and other types of cancer. Mohs is also recommended for skin cancers that:
+# '''[[Mapping and Orientation]]''': The excised tissue is mapped and marked to maintain orientation.
+# '''[[Microscopic Examination]]''': The tissue is frozen, sectioned, and examined under a microscope to check for cancerous cells.
+# '''[[Additional Excision]]''': If cancerous cells are found at the margins, additional layers are excised and examined until clear margins are achieved.
-* Have a high risk of recurrence or that have recurred after previous treatment
+This stepwise approach ensures that all cancerous cells are removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
-* Are located in areas where preserving cosmetic appearance and function are important
-* Are large or aggressive
-* Have edges that are hard to define
-==Risks==
+==Indications==
-As with any surgical procedure, Mohs surgery carries the risk of infection and bleeding. Other risks associated with Mohs surgery might include:
+Mohs surgery is indicated for:
-* Temporary or permanent numbness
+* Skin cancers with poorly defined borders
-* Temporary or permanent weakness or twitching of the muscles
+* Recurrent skin cancers
-* Itching or shooting pain in the area of surgery
+* Cancers located in cosmetically sensitive areas (e.g., face, ears, hands)
-* Enlarged scar (keloid)
+* Large or aggressive tumors
-==Preparation==
+==Advantages==
-Before Mohs surgery, your doctor will likely recommend preparing for the possibility of a long day. The procedure involves waiting while tissue is examined. You might want to bring a book or other forms of entertainment.
+The primary advantages of Mohs surgery include:
-==Recovery==
+* '''[[High Cure Rate]]''': Mohs surgery has a cure rate of up to 99% for primary BCC and SCC.
-After Mohs surgery, you might need a simple wound closure, stitches or a skin graft depending on the size of the removed tissue. You'll likely be able to return to normal activities the day after surgery.
+* '''[[Tissue Conservation]]''': By removing only cancerous tissue, Mohs surgery minimizes scarring and preserves healthy tissue.
+* '''[[Immediate Results]]''': The entire procedure, including pathology, is completed in one visit, providing immediate results.
-[[Category:Medical procedures]]
+==Limitations==
-[[Category:Dermatology]]
+While Mohs surgery is highly effective, it may not be suitable for all types of skin cancer, such as melanoma, unless specific techniques are used. It is also a time-consuming procedure that requires specialized training and equipment.
-[[Category:Surgery]]
-[[Category:Cancer treatments]]
-{{stub}}
+==Training and Certification==
+Dermatologists and surgeons who perform Mohs surgery undergo specialized training in dermatologic surgery and pathology. Certification is often provided by professional organizations such as the American College of Mohs Surgery.
+==Also see==
+* [[Basal cell carcinoma]]
+* [[Squamous cell carcinoma]]
+* [[Skin cancer]]
+* [[Dermatology]]
+* [[Surgical oncology]]
+{{Medical procedures}}
+{{Dermatology}}
+[[Category:Dermatologic surgery]]
+[[Category:Oncology]]
+[[Category:Skin cancer]]