Best Mohs Surgery Clinics and Surgeons
The definition of Mohs surgery is a unique microsurgical method. It eliminates typical skin cancers (like squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, etc.) and rare ones. Most oncologists agree that this is the best way to treat skin cancer. The main point of the procedure is to remove the cancerous tumor in thin layers over time. Then, a microscope is used to look at each layer. When tumor cells are no longer found in the next layer, the treatment is considered to be finished.
The operation removes all cancer cells and preserves healthy tissues as much as possible. The process is done quickly. After the procedure, inpatient treatment is not required. Local anesthesia freezes the tumor and the skin around it. Now let's find out in more detail what Mohs surgery is.
A little bit of history
The method was developed in the 30s by the American surgeon Frederic E. Mohs for the treatment of skin tumors. The Mohs method of removing skin cancer is highly effective. Under a microscope, the edges of the tumor tissue that are being removed are looked at much more closely than in routine surgery. The operation allows the surgeon to leave more normal skin and remove less healthy tissue.
This method has gotten better over time, both from a surgical and a histological point of view. And currently, Mohs surgery is the method number 1 in treating basal cell and squamous cell cancers of the face (American recommendations - NCCN 2.2022 and European European consensus 2019).
How is the Mohs surgery performed?
The Mohs technique consists of several stages:
- Examination. A dermatologist looks at the spot and puts a mark on the skin cancer. Next, the edge of the healthy skin around the tumor is marked.
- Anesthesia. Then the area where the surgery will happen is found, and an anesthetic is injected.
- Removing. The surgeon cuts out the tumor along the marked edge of a healthy-looking skin area.
- Lab analysis. A skin sample is sent to a lab to see if any cancer cells are left. It lets them get rid of the cancerous growth without missing any cells. A microscope is used to look at thin slices. The doctor looks at the tumor from all sides.
If tumor cells are found along the edge of the cut, another piece of skin is cut off the patient, and the remaining tumor tissue is removed.
The surgeon repeats stages 3 and 4 until no tumor cells remain. Then the wound will heal with cosmetic sutures using plastic and reconstructive techniques. Finally, the patient receives the recommendations for wound care at home.
When should the procedure be performed?
The Mohs operation treats various types of skin cancer and provides the most accurate and complete tumor removal. This microsurgical procedure is usually used for locating malignant cells on the head or neck. There are several cases in which it is necessary to use the Mohs surgery:
- Location. Skin cancer near the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hairline, legs, or genitals makes it hard to do daily tasks.
- Alternative treatment. If other treatments have not worked, the tumor is removed through surgery.
- Secondary cancer. There is a high chance that cancerous growth will come back. This is called a relapse.
- Size and character of a neoplasm. Surgeons operate only with large or aggressive tumors.
Advantages
Mohs removal is the gold standard in treating skin cancer worldwide. First, this is because relapses after a Mohs micrographic surgery occur 7-10 times less often than with all other basal cell carcinoma treatment methods approved for skin cancer treatment. The benefits of treatment:
- 100% accuracy of complete removal of cancer cells;
- Maximum preservation of healthy tissue;
- Aesthetic effect;
- Histology response at the end of excision.
After a few months, the results of the procedure can't be seen on the face because the skin and cosmetic seams are taken off layer by layer.
How about scars?
Compared to other types of surgical treatment, Mohs surgery leaves hardly noticeable scars.
Sun exposure can cause scars and uneven skin tone, so staying out of the sun for the first year is best. The scar gets tighter after about a month.
What clinics can offer dermal surgery?
Only doctors with special training and enough experience should perform Mohs micrographic surgery. That method requires a highly professional approach and modern equipment in the medical center. In addition, specialists and hospitals should have certification to ensure high-quality health care, especially dermatological oncology.
Best dermatological clinics
The company AiroMedical has the largest database of hospitals around the world. It allows you to choose the most suitable hospitals for skin cancer treatment. Therefore, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the list of the best clinics that perform Mohs surgery at a high standard:
- Dermatology Centre Prof. Braun-Falco Munich. That clinic specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases, including skin cancer. Specialists perform high-precision microsurgical operations and follow the latest recommendations of the German Dermatological Society.
- The Dermatology clinic of Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. It is one of the largest in Germany and Europe. The clinic focused on complex dermal surgery and other cancer treatment methods. In addition, the clinic cooperates with another leading dermatological center, Klinik Thalkirchner Strabe.
- Teknon Medical Centre Barcelona. The leading clinic in the whole country. Several world-known people were treated here. The department of dermatology is known for its more than 30 years of professional experience in dermal surgery. Medical experts are actively implementing scientific innovations in the treatment of skin cancer.
- University Hospital Rechts der Isar of the Technical University Munich. It is the second-largest center in Munich. It is famous for its state-of-the-art equipment. In addition, the clinic cooperates with the Comprehensive Cancer Center in modern diagnostics and treatment of tumor diseases, including skin cancer.
Top of world-famous Mohs surgeons
The quality of medical care depends mainly on the competence of the doctors and the medical equipment. That is why we would like to introduce the most famous and experienced surgeons- dermatologists:
- Prof. Dr. med. Markus Braun-Falco. He is a founder of the TOP Dermatology Center in Munich and a surgeon who provides skin cancer treatment, including Mohs surgery. The doctor has more than 100 scientific publications and 250 medical reports in Germany and abroad.
- Prof. Dr. med. Lars French. He is one of the best Mohs surgeons and head of the department of dermatology at the Ludwig Maximilian University Hospital in Munich. In addition, the doctor has numerous awards for dermatological research and is an honorary member of numerous national and international scientific societies.
- Prof. Dr. Joan Ramon Garces Gatnau. He is the famous expert and chief physician of the dermatology department at the Teknon Medical Centre of Barcelona. Moreover, the specialist is a director of the Mohs Surgery Dermatology Centre and has a considerable experience in that area. Furthermore, he is a member of national, European, and International dermatological societies.
- Prof Dr. med. Tilo Biedermann. The doctor is a dermatologist and the chief of the dermatological department at the University Hospital Rechts der Isar of the Technical University Munich. The professor has numerous scholarships and research awards. Moreover, he actively participates in the work of dermatological societies.
Are you looking for the best clinic? Then, we have prepared for you up-to-date solutions and calculations of the cost of Mohs Surgery. The selection of doctors and clinics is carried out based on annual qualification reports. The main selection criterion is the number of operations or procedures performed. In addition, work experience, reputation in the medical community, availability of quality certificates, and narrow specialization in a particular field are considered.
Our medical coordinators are in touch 24/7. Together with you, we go from choosing a clinic to returning home.
References
- Skin Cancer Foundation: The Most Effective Technique for Treating Common Skin Cancers
- American Academy of Dermatology: What is Mohs Surgery?
- National Cancer Institute: Mohs Surgery
- American Society for Mohs Surgery: What Is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
- National Library of Medicine: Mohs Micrographic Surgery
