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Mohs treatment of choice for Basal Cell Carcinomas

March 28, 2019
By: Center for Dermatology & Plastic Surgery

Why Mohs is becoming the top choice for treating BCC

4 million. This is the number of yearly cases of basal cell carcinoma diagnosed in the U.S. In addition to the number of cases seen, basal cell carcinoma is also the most frequently occurring form of skin cancer. Patients with BCC are at high risk of the cancer reoccurring if it is not treated properly. However, one treatment has recently come to be accepted as the most effective technique for removing BCCs: Mohs micrographic surgery.

Best Technique for Long-Term Prognosis

While there are various other treatment options for basal cell carcinomas, Mohs has the highest cure rate of 99% or better. Why? Because the Mohs technique can save the greatest amount of healthy tissue.

The amount of healthy tissue Mohs can save becomes even more crucial in areas that cannot be hidden easily. For example, around the eyes, nose, lips ears and the scalp. These areas are also some of the most common places for BCC to grow. Mohs surgeons examine 100% of tumor margins after removing the cancerous tissue and leave the smallest scar possible.

Unlike other treatment options for BCC, Mohs surgery is done in one visit and the surgeon will continue to remove skin tissue layer by layer until they are sure they have removed all of the cancer.

Fear of Recurrence Gone with Mohs

A well-known advantage of Mohs is the significantly low risk of recurrence. The 5-year recurrence rate after Mohs surgery is 1% for a first-time treated BCC. Mohs is also an optimum choice for BCC’s that recur after a different treatment.

How to Know if You Have BCC

Basal cell carcinomas are abnormal, uncontrolled growths or lesions that form in the skin’s basal cells. These line the outermost layer of the skin. BCC can be confused with psoriasis or eczema. There are 5 warning signs to be on the lookout for:

  • Open sore
  • Reddish patch or irritated area
  • Shiny bump
  • Pink growth
  • Scar-like area

At the end of the day Mohs surgery give patients what they need most: peace of mind. Advanced Dermasurgery Associates commits to provide our patients with the highest level of care. We want you to walk out of our office cancer free and stay that way.

For more information about basal cell carcinomas, visit our conditions treated page. For referring physicians, visit our physicians page to learn why Advanced Dermasurgery Associates should be your choice for Mohs surgery.