Mohs Surgery & Skin Cancer Treatment in Westchester County, NY

There are several surgical methods to treat skin cancer, a disease that we all put ourselves at risk for developing when we spend time outdoors without sun protection. We are exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UV) even during short periods spent outdoors. Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in the United States, and skin cancer surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in plastic surgery. The sun causes no less than ninety percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging.

Of the non-melanoma skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. An estimated 2.8 million BCCs are diagnosed annually in the United States alone. BCCs are rarely fatal, but can be highly disfiguring if allowed to grow. BCC usually develops slowly in the basal cells of the deepest epidermal layer, rarely metastasizing, and is seldom fatal. However, if BCC is neglected, it can cause significant destruction and disfigurement to the skin.

The second most common non-melanoma skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Like BCC, SCC is slow-growing, but it develops in the squamous cells of the top layer of the epidermal. Though unlikely, SCC can metastasize; it accounts for approximately 2,500 deaths in the United States each year.

Candidates for Skin Cancer Surgery

Individuals with a previous diagnosis of BCC are at higher risk for contracting SCC. Other factors that put individuals at greater risk for developing skin cancer include exposure to chemical carcinogens exposure, immunosuppression, infections, and genetic susceptibility.

Skin Cancer Surgery Overview

Surgical approaches to skin cancer treatment include curettage, surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, radiation therapy, or cryotherapy. That said, Mohs micrographic surgery has far better success rates — 98 percent or higher — for treating BCC and SCC than any other procedure.

During Mohs surgery the excised tissue is examined microscopically during the surgery, so that as each tissue layer is removed it is immediately analyzed for the presence of cancer cell. If cancer cells are present, the surgeon continues to remove layers until no cells are found. Because surgery is stopped as soon as the margins of the layer under examination are cancer-free, more healthy tissue is spared in comparison with other procedures.

With cutterage, the cancerous tissue is scraped away with a curette. Electricity is then applied with an electrocautery needle to destroy any remaining cancer cells. If cryosurgery is selected, the surgeon applies liquid nitrogen to the area that freezes, and destroys, the cancer cells. Radiation therapy is most often selected if the cancer has spread to organs, lymph nodes, or tumors, making surgery ineffective. Finally, surgical excision involves the removal of the tumor with a scalpel followed by microscopic examination that the cancerous cells have been removed.

Postoperative Treatment for Skin Cancer

Most patients who receive Mohs surgery experience minor discomfort, bruising and swelling. Speak with your plastic surgeon to know how to take care of yourself following Mohs or any of the other surgical approaches to skin cancer.

If you have concerns about a suspicious-looking mole, or simply have questions regarding Mohs surgery, please give us a call at 914-722-1600. Dr. Goldberg welcomes your questions and concerns. Our offices are located in Dobbs Ferry & Scarsdale in Westchester County, NY.