Cut to the Chase: Treating Skin Cancer With Mohs Surgery in Staten Island, NY

You just got out of the shower and are getting ready for work – or maybe you’re about to go out to your favorite Staten Island restaurant with some friends – when you notice something strange appear on your skin.

It could be something new that you’ve never seen before, or even something that’s been there for years, but is starting to change size – or color. Either way, it doesn’t take long for the panic to start settling in. 

So, you do what anyone else would do, and schedule an appointment with your local dermatologist in Staten Island. 

In order to diagnose the problem, your dermatologist removes a sample of the skin and sends it off to a skin pathologist for further analysis. Shortly after, your doctor brings you in for a follow-up. 

When you arrive, your dermatologist has good news – the abnormal growth is benign and non-cancerous.

You take a deep sigh of relief because you know how lucky you are – after all, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and nearly 10,000 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer daily.

But early detection is always the best prevention – so you did the right thing in getting yourself checked. 

BCC, SCC, Melanoma: The 3 Types of Skin Cancer

While millions of people will have a similar experience as the person detailed above, millions of others face the harsh reality of being diagnosed with skin cancer – or, at the very least, precancerous growths. 

If you’re one of those people, understanding your condition is more important than anything – and one thing many people don’t understand about this condition is that not all skin cancer is created equal.

In fact, there are three primary types of skin cancer: 

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, and it originates in the basal cells – which are found at the bottom of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin).

• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) originates in the squamous cells, which are flat cells located in the outer part of the epidermis. It can easily be mistaken for a sore that doesn’t seem to heal.

• Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It occurs anywhere on the body, and develops in the melanocytes – the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color).

BCC and SCC are common – more than 5.4 million cases are diagnosed every year in the US – and are generally easy to treat, but melanoma often requires early detection and treatment to prevent spreading. 

Mohs Surgery: Removing Skin Cancer One Layer at a Time

Treating skin cancer usually boils down to the type of skin cancer you have, where that skin cancer is located, and what stage the skin cancer is in, but the most common form of treatment is usually surgery.

And while there are several different types of surgery, Mohs surgery is the most frequently used.

But what is Mohs surgery – and when do skin cancer specialists recommend it over alternatives? 

Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a precise surgical technique named after Dr. Frederic E. Mohs. It’s particularly effective for removing BCCs and SCCs, as well as some melanomas. 

During surgery, your doctor removes the visible tumor along with a thin layer of surrounding tissue – which is then mapped, divided, and examined under a microscope to identify any remaining cancer cells.

If cancer cells are found in the tissue margins, the surgeon removes another thin layer of tissue from the exact area where cancer cells were detected. This process is repeated until no cancer cells are found.

Mohs surgery has a cure rate of up to 99% for primary tumors and 94% for recurrent tumors.

Saving Your Skin: Other Proven Treatments for Skin Cancer

Most patients make good candidates for Mohs surgery, but that doesn’t mean it’s a reliable treatment for everyone – and some people may need to consider alternatives to safely and effectively remove a tumor.

The good news is there’s a wide range of treatment options to choose from in the modern world today. 

With that said, let’s take a look at some of the most common treatment options outside of Mohs surgery: 

• Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays (such as X-rays) to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors
• Chemotherapy utilizes drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing
• Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells
• Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target genetic mutations or proteins in cancer cells
• Photodynamic therapy uses a photosensitizing agent with a type of light to kill cancer cells
• Cryotherapy uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy abnormal tissues

Since everyone’s body is different – and everyone has a unique experience with skin cancer – treatment for one person might not work for the next. It’s up to your doctor to find the treatment that works for you. 

Reforma Dermatology: Skin Cancer Has Finally Met Its Match

Have you recently noticed an abnormal growth on your skin? Are you worried that it might be a form of skin cancer? Do you want to get your abnormal skin growths checked by a skin cancer specialist? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the questions above, then don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place!

Welcome to Reforma Dermatology – where Staten Island residents can feel confident in their own skin. 

Your skin is your first line of defense, but that doesn’t mean it can’t use a little help every now and then. At Reforma, we provide that assistance – and we’d be honored to help you stay healthy and cancer-free. 

‍Our office offers state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and cutting-edge treatments tailored to your unique needs – so don’t hesitate to contact us today online or call us at (929) 200-3003 for a thorough examination of your skin.