What does Mohs surgery represent in the treatment of skin cancer?
Mohs surgery provides a greater guarantee in the eradication of skin tumors. It is mainly used in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma that has recurred after other treatments, as well as in those basal cell carcinomas that have not been treated previously, but which due to their histological pattern or location pose a risk of recurrence if treated with conventional techniques.
It is also of relevant interest in squamous cell carcinomas and other types of skin tumors, among which we can highlight dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and some cases of lentigo maligna or melanoma.
Can all dermatologists perform this treatment and which patients is it aimed at?
This treatment is performed by experts in dermatologic surgery who have spent a long time learning the Mohs technique, which involves learning the surgical technique, the histological reading of the pathological anatomy slides, and the criteria and skills for the repair of the surgical defect consequent to the surgery.
The European Society for Mohs Surgery, the American College of Mohs Surgery and other organizations accredit the training and experience of the Mohs surgery therapist for their practice.
What does the surgery consist of?
This surgery aims at a guarantee reading of all the edges of the tumor to be removed, as tight as possible to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. The surgeon who performs this surgery must be an expert in dermatologic surgery and histopathology since he is responsible for a good orientation of the surgical margins of the tumor and their reading under the microscope. Likewise, he/she must have a good surgical training to repair the defect caused by the removal of the tumor.
How is the recovery from the procedure?
In principle the recovery of any induced surgical wound. It happens that some Mohs surgeries, when treating recurrent tumors, may involve a surgical wound of considerable size.
Prevention for the summer, can we get a tan and prevent skin cancer?
We must avoid sunburn at all costs, and by sunburn we mean even mild erythema (redness) that often occurs after even brief exposure to the sun. In the case of tanning, it should be done in a very progressive manner and avoiding, as we have mentioned, sunburn. This can be achieved by the proper use of sunscreens and avoiding the midday sun.