Skin cancer on the Shore is prominent, but Mohs surgery offers hope, says Dr. Sara Moghaddam of Delmarva Skin Specialists
One in five Americans will get skin cancer during their lifetime, so the chance that you or a family member will encounter a discussion of a skin cancer diagnosis and treatment is likely.
My partner, Dr. Curtis Asbury, and I were trained by one of the national experts in skin cancer detection during a three-year dermatology residency. During this time period, we became experts in early detection and treatment of common skin cancers related to sun exposure. The main reason I moved to this area was because of high numbers of skin cancer and the need for more dermatology services in our community.
Mohs micrographic surgery, or Mohs, for short, is a unique treatment because the person performing the procedure is both the surgeon and the pathologist. It offers the highest cure rate available and allows us to save as much healthy skin as possible which becomes important in areas of the body where there is little tissue to work with.
Who performs a Mohs surgery?
Only a board-certified dermatologist who has extra training in Mohs surgery performs this procedure. Last year, the American Board of Dermatology created a new board exam to make sure dermatologists are competent in performing Mohs surgery. You should ask your dermatologist, “Are you board certified in Mohs surgery?” This distinction will help ensure you are in good hands.
If somone was recently diagnosed with skin cancer, should they pursue Mohs surgery?
If this is a non-melanoma skin cancer involving the face, scalp, ears, hands, shins or feet, the answer is yes. Mohs surgery is the gold standard in these areas, since conserving normal skin is very important. Skin cancer in other areas of the body, when small, can be treated with other treatment options outside of Mohs that have pretty good cure rates. If, however, the skin cancer on the trunk or extremities is very large or aggressive, or if it’s a recurrence from a past cancer, then Mohs surgery is appropriate to consider.
Why is Mohs surgery better than other treatment options?
Mohs surgery is superior because it offers the highest cure rate and smallest scars. This is especially critical with cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the face. It also allows us to have results immediately and ensure the cancer is fully removed all in one day. CS
RESULTS DRIVEN
Dr. Sara Moghaddam of Delmarva Skin Specialists has performed thousands of Mohs surgeries since moving to the Shore in 2015. She and partner Dr. Curtis Asbury practice from their office location in Selbyville. For more information, visit DelmarvaSkin.com or call 302-564-0001.