After spending the summer months exposed to harsh UV rays, many people use their time in the fall to get checked for skin cancer. Given the fact that over one million Americans develop skin cancer each year, getting your skin checked regularly is extremely important and highly recommended. Catching skin cancer early can be the difference between a smooth recovery or more serious complications. At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we are dedicated to our patients health and offer numerous treatment options for skin cancer including the highly-effective Mohs skin cancer surgery. This surgery is unique in the way that it can treat even the most persistent skin cancers.

What is Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery?

Mohs skin cancer surgery is the most technically advanced and precise treatment for skin cancer. It is different from other treatment options because it works to remove lesions layer by layer in a way that gets rid of the cancerous tissue without harming the surrounding skin.

The procedure starts with one of our experienced board-certified dermatologists removing surface tissue affected by the cancer and then examining the tissue under a microscope to check for “roots” which will tell your physician whether or not the cancer has spread past the removed tissue. If it has, your surgeon will continue to remove layers and repeat the process until there are no roots within the safety border to be found.

What are the Advantages of Mohs Surgery?

The roots in skin cancer tissue are hidden to the naked eye and are difficult to spot in general. Because it involves carefully examining each layer of tissue with a microscope, Mohs skin cancer surgery is extremely effective in removing all affected tissue. Other treatments don’t examine the tissue at all or wait to look at the tissue later, which can lead to additional treatments or an increase in the risk of the cancer reoccurring.

When it comes to the cosmetic advantages of the surgery, Mohs uses a very precise method of removal which makes it effective for sensitive areas such as the face. Since the procedure only removes a little bit of tissue at a time, it avoids the need for large incisions. There is also a relatively small chance of regrowth occurring post-surgery.

What Results are Expected After Mohs Surgery?

Because the treatment process is so thorough, Mohs surgery has a 98-99% cure rate. Since Mohs is a surgical procedure, there is a risk for scarring. However, our surgeons take various steps to minimize scarring compared to traditional surgical procedures.

Detecting skin cancer early can be the difference between a positive or a negative outcome. At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we are committed to keeping our patients healthy and helping them to combat skin cancer. For more information about Mohs surgery or any of our other skin cancer treatment options or to schedule your annual skin cancer screening, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today. Additionally, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more insights about skin care and sun safety.