Skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer. It develops when skin cells grow in an abnormal, uncontrolled way; it often appears in areas that receive regular sun exposure. Treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the growth. One option is Mohs skin cancer surgery, a technique that removes cancerous tissue in thin layers and examines each layer under a microscope.
What Is Skin Cancer?
The outer layer of the skin contains cells that are constantly replaced. When the DNA in these cells becomes damaged, the cells may multiply abnormally and form a tumor. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight and tanning beds is a well-known source of this damage, but other risk factors include fair skin, a history of sunburns, numerous moles, and a personal or family history of skin cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequently diagnosed form of skin cancer, usually growing slowly in areas that get a lot of sun. Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the flat cells of the outer skin layer and may grow faster than basal cell carcinoma. Melanoma is less common, but it starts in the cells that produce pigment and is more likely to spread to other parts of the body, which is why catching it early matters.
What Should You Look For?
Signs of skin cancer vary by type. Basal cell carcinoma may look like a pearly bump, a flat scaly patch, or a sore that bleeds. Squamous cell carcinoma often appears as a firm red nodule or a scaly, crusted patch. Melanoma often develops within an existing mole, or it may appear as a new dark spot. Dermatologists can use the ABCDE guide to evaluate moles, which stands for:
- Asymmetry: One half does not match the other.
- Border: Edges are irregular or blurred.
- Color: Shades vary within the same spot.
- Diameter: The spot is wider than about 6 millimeters.
- Evolving: The size, shape, or color changes over time.
Recurrence refers to skin cancer that returns after treatment, and it may develop at or near the original site. Signs can include a new bump or redness, scaling, or bleeding in the treated area. Recurrence differs from a new primary skin cancer, which forms separately in a different location.
What Is Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery?
Mohs skin cancer surgery is a staged procedure used to remove basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. It is frequently used on the face, where preserving healthy tissue is a priority. It may also be recommended for recurrent tumors or those with poorly defined borders. The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia, and it generally follows these steps:
- The surgeon removes the visible tumor along with a thin layer of surrounding tissue.
- The tissue is mapped and examined under a microscope while the patient waits.
- The surgeon removes another layer from that specific area if cancer cells remain at any edge.
- The process repeats until no cancer cells are detected in the examined tissue.
The wound can be closed with stitches, left to heal naturally, or repaired with a skin flap or graft.
Consult a Dermatologist
People with a history of skin cancer have a higher likelihood of developing another one; dermatologists may recommend regular follow-up skin examinations after treatment. A dermatologist can examine a suspicious spot and explain the treatment options that fit the type and location of the cancer. If you notice a new growth, a changing mole, or a change in a previously treated area, contact a dermatologist for an evaluation.
