Mohs Surgery
Today, there are a variety of ways to treat skin cancer. However, Mohs surgery involves the removal of skin cancer with a very narrow surgical margin, plus a high cure rate. In fact, the cure rate cited by most scientific research is between 97% and 99.8% for basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. In addition, the Mohs technique unites thorough microscopic margin control with the least amount of skin removal.
How Does the Mohs Procedure Work?
Dr. Christopher Buckley, Dr. Gabriella Vasile and Dr. Josh Hammel performs Mohs surgery using local anesthesia in the office at Goodman Dermatology in Roswell, GA and Dawsonville, GA. A tiny scalpel is used to cut around the evident tumor. Also, a small surgical margin is utilized, typically with a 1 to 1.5 mm free margin (uninvolved skin). The standard cutting out of skin cancers requires 4 to 6 mm of free margin.
For every extraction of tissue, a specimen is processed. The Mohs surgeons Dr. Christopher Buckley, Dr. Gabriella Vasile and Dr. Josh Hammel examine the sliced tissue sections and determines whether the samples have cancerous cells. If cancer is found, the location is noted on a reference map (tissue drawing). The surgeon then takes out the specified cancerous tissue. This procedure is repeated until the cancer can no longer be found.
A basic procedure of the surgery is as follows:
- Surgical removal of tissue (surgical oncology)
- Mapping the pieces of tissue
- Freezing and cutting the tissue at 5 to 10 micrometers using a cryostat
- Staining the sample with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) or other stains like Toluidine Blue
- Pathology: Interpretation of microscope samples on the slides
- Possible reconstruction of the surgical imperfection (reconstructive surgery)
What Does Mohs Surgery Treat?
Mohs surgery is normally used to treat two of the most collective forms of skin cancer; squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. The process is also used in other types of skin cancer like melanoma. Actually, the technique is commonly selected because it often preserves healthy skin of greatest concern like the face area. In truth, the Mohs method is the best technique for cosmetically sensitive areas of the face like the lips, nose and ears or near the eyes.
What is a Mohs Surgeon?
A quality Mohs surgeon is highly specialized and requires extensive education and experience. First off, a dermatologist has to complete their residency training. Next, the qualified dermatologist can enter a Mohs surgery professional association if certain eligibility requirements are met. Some of the most esteemed credentials are the American Society for Mohs Surgery and the American College of Mohs Surgery. However, there are other well recognized associations like ACMS (Fellowship trained skin cancer and reconstructive surgeons) of which Dr. Christopher Buckley and Dr. Gabriella Vasile is associated with.
Two of the most renowned and successful Mohs micrographic surgeons and dermatologists are Dr. Marcus Goodman and Dr. Christopher Buckley. In fact, both specialize in Mohs micrographic surgery and other dermatological surgical procedures.
Dr. Buckley and Dr Vasile is well-known for incomparable outcomes in cancer and Mohs surgeries that totals in the thousands. Moreover, they stay current with the latest technology advances and have an outstanding bedside manner. Truthfully, Dr. Buckley and Dr. Vasile is the most sought after surgeon in Georgia and other states.
Located in Roswell, Georgia; Goodman Dermatology provides both residents and visitors in the North Georgia and Atlanta Metro areas with a variety of beauty treatments and dermatological health. Dr. Buckley, Dr. Vasile and Dr. Hammel see patients from Atlanta, Cumming, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creek, Suwanee, Dawsonville, Woodstock, Holly Springs, Canton, Marietta / East Cobb, East Cobb and beyond. If you have concerns about any spots or growths on your face, contact us today to schedule your appointment. Skin cancer is much easier and less invasive to treat when caught in early stages.