Being diagnosed with skin cancer can be a frightening experience. For most people, just the word “cancer” can send them into a state of panic and distress. However, it is important to understand that being diagnosed with skin cancer isn’t the end of the world.

In fact, nearly all types of skin cancers can be treated if detected early on. Of course, it is also important to opt for the right treatment to ensure 100% recovery. When it comes to skin cancers, one of the best treatments you can opt for is Mohs surgery.

What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is an advanced skin cancer treatment. It carefully removes cancers cells by using a specific technique while also preserving as many healthy skin cells as possible. Various studies have shown that this surgery can have a 99% percent of cure rate for most types of skin cancers and is considered to be “The Gold Standard” for treating skin cancers.

Following are some reasons you should consider opting for Mohs surgery if you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer.

1.     Effectiveness

With any type of surgery or medical procedure, the most important thing to consider is its effectiveness. The good news? Mohs surgery is one of the most effective ways of treating skin cancer. It provides immediate results, and there is an extremely slim chance that anything will go wrong during the treatment.

2.     Low Chances or Recurrence

Mohs surgery features a precise technique that targets and removes all the cancerous cells without affecting much of the healthy skin. As a result, it has the lowest rate of cancer recurrence as compared to any other treatment. It also provides a microscopic examination of the tissues removed during the surgery and reduces any guesswork required to confirm that the cancerous cells are removed.

3.     Little to No Scarring

The aim of Mohs surgery is to remove all cancerous cells without affecting the surrounding area. Therefore, it typically requires a small incision, which leads to little no post-surgery scarring. However, this also depends on the area affected by skin cancer. If a large area is being treated, it may cause some scarring. Nevertheless, it would almost always cause less scarring than most other surgical procedures.

4.     Local Anesthesia is Used

Most dermatological procedures require general anesthesia, but that’s not the case with Mohs surgery. For this procedure, you don’t need to go to sleep. Hence, you can go home shortly after the procedure and don’t have to stay at the hospital overnight. The actual procedure only takes around 5 to 10 minutes. However, you will likely be required to stay 1 to 2 hours to examine the tissues. Of course, you can choose to stay at the hospital if you feel more comfortable that way. Mohs surgery allows you to make the best choice for yourself.

5.     Most Cost-Effective

Cancer treatments are generally costly. However, Mohs surgery is the most-effective option when it comes to treating skin cancer. In addition to costing lesser than surgeries for this purpose, Mohs surgery only requires one session in most cases. Therefore, you won’t have to spend money multiple times. Since there is a slim chance of cancer recurrence with Mohs surgery, that also reduces the risk of having to spend more money in the future.

6.     Comfortable

Almost any surgery will have some level of discomfort. However, since Mohs surgery is a quick and precise surgery, the discomfort doesn’t last long. As compared to other types of cancer treatments, Mohs surgery is the more comfortable option.

7.     Quicker Recovery

Depending on how far cancer has spread and the extent of the surgery, the recovery period can take anywhere between 2 to 4 weeks. Since much of the healthy tissues are preserved during the procedure, you will likely be completely healed after this period. There are rare cases where the recovery may take longer than that. However, more often than not, you’ll be completely recovered within 6 weeks.

Conclusion

When it comes to treating cancers, the quicker you take action, the higher there is a chance of quick recovery. We understand that it can be difficult to make a decision in such stressful times, but it is better to weigh your options instead of worrying about the situation. So do you research and consider all the pros and cons of each available treatment before making a decision.

In most cases of skin cancers, Mohs surgery is the best option for treatment. However, discuss your particular case with a good dermatologist before making a final decision to ensure you’re making the right choice.

SunCoast Skin Solutions Dermatology offices are located in Tampa / Hillsborough, St. Pete / Pinellas County, Brandon, Lutz, Winter Haven, Largo, Riverview, Brooksville, Ocala, and Daytona Beach, Sarasota, Punta Gorda, Seminole, Florida. Contact us at 1-844-786-3376 or click here.