Mohs FAQ
Mohs Surgery Introduction
Mohs Surgery is a specialized technique for removing certain types of skin cancers. Developed over 70 years ago by Professor of Surgery at the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Frederic Mohs, his technique known as chemosurgery involves microscopic analysis and a map (graph = micrographic) of a tumor to ensure that all the skin cancer is completely removed.
Today, this state-of-the-art method has been modified to become the gold standard of treatment for many skin cancers of the head and neck. During this procedure, the healthy skin is preserved facilitating a more elegant reconstruction process, which results in a smaller scar. The large number of patients who have been cured clearly demonstrates that Mohs surgery is a highly successful method of treatment for skin cancer.
When you receive the diagnosis that you have skin cancer, many questions arise so we have provided some facts regarding Mohs Surgery, which will hopefully assist you in deciding which treatment is right for you. The aim of Mohs surgery is to completely remove your skin cancer so should you have further questions and concerns, please call Winter Park Dermatology today and Dr. Maxine Tabas will be happy to schedule a consultation with you.
What are the benefits of Mohs Surgery?
Although Mohs Surgery is done on an outpatient basis, it is not a routine procedure. Mohs surgery is reserved for tumors designated as being difficult, more aggressive, large, unusual, recurrent, previously incompletely removed, or located at cosmetically sensitive or anatomically important sites. Many of the skin cancers removed are in challenging areas such as the ear, nose, face or neck and require multiple rounds to clear the tumor. For most skin cancers, simply cutting them out or scraping them may be sufficient for e removal depending on the site, size and type of tumor.
Mohs surgery is a more precise and accurate way of treating skin cancer. It offers immediate and complete histological examination of the surgical margins and no other treatment tracks the tumor-removal process microscopically to ensure that the entire tumor is removed. Another important benefit is that by using a microscope to guide Dr. Tabas, she will only remove the tissue that the tumor has already invaded allowing her to trace your cancer to its roots. This means that Mohs micrographic surgery spares normal tissue creating the smallest surgical wound possible.
Most health insurance policies cover the cost of Mohs surgery but each policy is different so it is important that you call your carrier. Your coverage will depend on your particular policy’s deductible and co-pay so call us if you have any questions regarding costs and insurance forms.
Why should I choose Dr. Tabas to perform my Mohs Surgery?
You can be assured that when you choose Mohs Surgery with Winter Park Dermatology, a Mohs and skin cancer expert will treat you. Dr. Tabas is a fellowship trained Mohs surgeon who has obtained additional training in skin cancer surgery, pathology, facial, and complex regional reconstructive surgery. It is important for you to choose a Mohs surgeon that has completed a fellowship approved by the prestigious American College of Mohs Surgery. At Winter Park Dermatology’s facility, a specially trained team led by Dr. Tabas, including several assistants and a laboratory technician who will prepare the tissue for microscopic examination, performs Mohs surgery. Our experienced office personnel are also integral members of the team and we will answer your questions regarding the procedure. There is usually very little pain or discomfort after surgery and most patients return to their normal daily activities the next day, although the site is bandaged for a few days. If you do not want to go through the frightening diagnosis of skin cancer alone, call Winter Park Dermatology today and we promise to do whatever we can to help you achieve a successful outcome.
