Dermatologic & Cosmetic Surgery

Dermatologic Treatments

MOHS Micrographic Surgery

Approximately 45 years ago, Frederic Mohs developed this highly specialized technique for the removal of skin cancer. It is only available in large Medical Centers. It is done in the office under local anesthesia. Sometimes chemicals are applied to the skin prior to surgical removal of a tumor, however, the majority of the time chemicals are not used. The percentage of cure is exactly the same with or without chemicals. Their application depends on the size, location, and type of tumor. Following the anesthetic, the mass of the tumor is removed. Then a thin layer of skin encompassing all the visible tumor is excised. All the tissue is examined beneath the microscope. Wherever tumor is found, another layer of tissue is removed. This continued until no tumor is present and the patient is free of disease.

This procedure has a cure rate of 99% of all primary skin cancers and 95% of all recurrent skin cancers. Follow-up is very important to detect this small percentage of recurrences.

SKIN CANCER
All the factors involved in the cause of skin cancer are unknown, however, the following play a very important role. It is known that skin cancer occurs much more frequently in blonde, red-headed, blue-eyed individuals. The lowest incidence of skin cancer occurs in individuals with black skin, while the highest incidence of skin cancer occurs in those with almost no pigmentation. Heredity does seem to play a part. We see more skin cancers in certain families, despite their skin color, than in others.

The most important single cause of skin cancer is sun exposure. Wherever the sun is most intense, we find the highest incidence of skin cancer. Therefore, it is important for my patients with skin cancer to protect themselves as much as possible from the sun. This may be done in several ways. A sun screen should be applied every morning, 365 days a year. For most cases, one application will suffice to last the entire day. This is for average everyday living. However, with excessive exposure to the sun, as occurs while playing tennis, golf, fishing, you must reapply the sun protective agent. At these times, it is also important to wear a large hat and protect your arms, chest, and back with clothing. Swimming is fine, however, it must be remembered that the sun screening agents will wash off with water and need to be reapplied. With heavy exercise, perspiration will have the same effect. You should not restrict your activities to the degree that it would interfere with your life style. Continue enjoying the sun, however, protect yourself as much as possible. Sunbathing is prohibited.

I recommend any of the sun screening agents that are water resistant and have a sun protective factor of at least twenty nine (SPF 29). They are to be applied every morning. They are colorless and should be used as you would an aftershave lotion or beneath makeup. They should be applied to the face, ears, neck, hands, and any exposed area.

Get more information at the resources below:
CLICK HERE to visit The Skin Cancer Foundation

To make an appointment with a Cooper University Hospital physician at an office near you, call 1-800-8-COOPER (800-826-6737) to speak with a member of our physician referral and information service.