Skin Cancer and Mohs Surgery

Skin cancer treatments and Mohs micrographic surgery

Mohs Micrographic Surgery, an advanced treatment procedure for skin cancer, offers the highest potential for recovery, even if the skin cancer has been previously treated. This procedure is state-of-the-art treatment in which the same physician serves as surgeon, pathologist and reconstructive surgeon. Dr. Benedetto uses the accuracy of a microscope to trace and ensure removal of skin cancer down to its roots. This procedure allows dermatologist, trained in Mohs Surgery, to see beyond the visible disease, and to precisely identify and remove the entire tumor, leaving healthy tissue unharmed. This procedure is most often used in treating two of the most common forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. But Mohs micrographic surgery can be used to treat any type of skin cancer anywhere on the body including the scalp, neck, face, eyes, ears, nose, lips, back, chest, breasts, genitals, arms, legs, hands or feet.

The cure rate for Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the highest of all treatments for skin cancer, up to 99 percent even if other forms of treatment have failed. This procedure, the most exact and precise method of tumor removal, minimizes the chance of regrowth and lessens the potential for scarring or disfigurement.

Dr. Anthony V. Benedetto was the first Mohs surgeon in Pennsylvania when he started his practice in Philadelphia in 1978.

Types of skin cancer that can be treated by Mohs Surgery:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma in situ (SCCIS)

SCCIS, also called Bowen's disease, typically occurs on body parts that are most often exposed to the sun. Lesions of SCCIS usually appear as small crusty, scaly, or crumbly bumps or horns. Early on, they may come and go. Sometimes they are more easily detected by feel than by sight.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Probably the most common of skin cancers, is caused by long-term sun exposure. Frequently, they appear as soft, flesh-colored pimples that bleed easily. They are painless and slow growing. In addition, a BCC sometimes resembles non-cancerous skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma. They usually appear as thick, rough, scaly patches that may bleed easily. They often look like warts and sometimes appear as open sores. The skin around the site may exhibit signs of wrinkling, pigment changes, and loss of elasticity.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It can appear flat or raised, but usually dark in color and be confused with an ordinary mole. If diagnosed and removed while it is still thin and limited to the outermost skin layer, it is almost 100% curable. Once the cancer advances and spreads to other parts of the body, it is hard to treat and can be deadly.