If you have recently been diagnosed with skin cancer, then you might have already heard of Mohs surgery. This cutting-edge procedure is quickly becoming one of the leading treatment options for skin cancer, and many patients have benefited from it over the years. In addition to having a high success rate, this procedure can also result in minimal scarring. Here is a closer look at the benefits of this advanced skin care surgery and some signs that it might be right for you.
The Importance of Catching the Early Warning Signs
It might feel as if your life has been brought to a grinding halt after you are diagnosed with skin cancer, but there have been some amazing advancements in the medical field in recent years. When this condition is caught in its earliest stages, it is considered to be highly treatable. That is just one of the many reasons why everyone must keep an eye out for any of the early warning signs of skin cancer. That includes unusual moles, brown spots, or growths on your skin. The vast majority of those imperfections are completely harmless, but you must be wary if you notice any sudden changes to the discolored patches of skin. The blemishes could potentially be cancerous if they grow, have uneven edges, bleed, or become itchy.
Benefits of Mohs Surgery
One of the first things that you will want to do is take a closer look at some Mohs surgery and skin cancer before and after photos. Those images will give you a very good idea of what can be accomplished with this procedure. In many cases, skin cancer is treated by physically excising the damaged cells and some of the nearby tissue. While that type of treatment is highly effective, some patients are left with large and highly visible scars. During the Mohs procedure, only a very small amount of tissue will be removed, and that results in less conspicuous scars.
As an added bonus, this type of skin care surgery is also highly effective. Your surgeon is going to use a variety of tools and techniques to ensure that all of the cancerous tissue is removed during the first procedure. While some patients will need to undergo multiple operations, many have the cancerous tissue completely removed during a single visit. That means you will be able to move on with your life as quickly as possible.
Deciding If This Procedure Is Right for You
After you have done a little bit of research online and taken a look at some Mohs Surgery and skin cancer before and after photos, you will then want to schedule your first meeting with a skilled dermatologist. That medical professional is going to look over your medical history and carefully examine your skin. They might also want to take some samples of the soft tissue to ensure that you were properly diagnosed. Your dermatologist will be able to further explain the many benefits of Mohs surgery as well.
If you and your dermatologist decide that Mohs surgery is the best option, then you will need to set a date for your operation right away. As time goes on and the cancerous cells multiply, treating your skin cancer is only going to become more difficult. That being said, it is important to remember that this medical condition is very treatable, and you might be able to completely eradicate your cancer in a matter of weeks with an experienced dermatologist by your side.