Receiving a skin cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and nerve-wracking. When your doctor tells you that surgery is the next step, your primary concerns often boil down to two things: ensuring the cancer is completely removed and achieving the best cosmetic outcome possible. While there are many providers who can perform skin cancer removal, Mohs micrographic surgery is recognized as the gold standard for treating certain types of skin cancer, like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
It’s crucial for patients to understand that there can be a significant difference in the level of specialized training among physicians who perform this procedure. Here at Georgia Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Dermatology, we want you to know how important it is to differentiate between a board-certified dermatologist and a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon. This knowledge can offer you peace of mind and play a vital role in your long-term health.
What is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a highly specialized technique that allows for the removal of skin cancer with the highest cure rate while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Unlike traditional excision, where a surgeon removes the visible tumor along with a wide margin of healthy skin, Mohs surgery is performed in stages.
During the procedure, the surgeon removes the visible tumor and a very thin layer of surrounding tissue. This tissue is immediately processed and examined under a microscope. If any cancer cells remain at the edges, the surgeon knows exactly where they are located and removes another thin layer only from that specific area. This iterative process continues until no cancer cells remain. This precision is particularly beneficial for cancers located on the face, ears, or hands, where saving healthy tissue is essential for function and appearance.
The “Fellowship” Difference: Extra Years of Training
While many dermatologists are board-certified and may perform Mohs surgery, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon has undergone an additional, rigorous program sanctioned by the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS). After completing a standard dermatology residency, these specialists spend one to two extra years immersed in intensive surgical training.
During an ACMS fellowship, the surgeon performs thousands of cases under the direct supervision of experienced mentors. This training covers complex tumor pathology, advanced reconstructive surgery, and the nuances of rare skin cancers. By choosing a fellowship-trained surgeon at Georgia Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Dermatology, you are selecting a professional who has met the highest standards of formal education and clinical expertise in the field of skin cancer oncology. This level of specialization may help provide a more predictable and successful outcome for complex or recurring cases.
Why Lab-On-Site Offers Higher Cure Rates
A defining characteristic of the Mohs process is the integration of the surgical suite and the pathology lab. A fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon is not only the person performing the surgery but also the pathologist who interprets the tissue slides. This eliminates the possibility of communication errors between different departments.
Having an on-site lab allows for 100 percent of the surgical margins to be evaluated in real-time while the patient waits. In traditional surgery, only a small fraction of the margin is typically sampled by an outside lab, which could lead to cancer being left behind. The immediate feedback loop provided by an on-site laboratory is what allows Mohs surgery to achieve cure rates of up to 99 percent for certain skin cancers.
At Georgia Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Dermatology, we are committed to providing our community with this elite level of care. Our dedication to excellence extends beyond the clinic, as we take pride in supporting philanthropic efforts that improve the lives of those around us. Every patient is unique, and our medical professionals will ultimately decide which treatment approach is best for your specific diagnosis.
Facing a skin cancer diagnosis? Trust a fellowship-trained surgeon to guide your recovery. Learn more about our Mohs team.
Image credit: // Shutterstock // bangoland
