Mohs Surgery in Burbank, CA
Also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a highly effective technique for treating skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in the 1930s, this procedure is renowned for its precision in removing cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
The surgery is typically performed in stages, where thin layers of skin are removed and immediately examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. This process is repeated until no cancerous cells remain, ensuring that the margins are clear and minimizing the risk of recurrence.
One of the key advantages of Mohs surgery is its high cure rate, often exceeding 99% for certain types of skin cancer. This success is largely due to the thoroughness of the procedure, which allows the surgeon to map out and remove cancer cells layer by layer, targeting only the affected tissue. As a result, Mohs surgery is especially valuable for cancers in cosmetically and functionally important areas, such as the face, ears, and hands, where preserving healthy tissue is crucial.
Additionally, because the surgery is performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting, it is generally well-tolerated by patients and associated with a relatively quick recovery.