If you’ve heard about skin cancer, chances are you’ve also heard about Mohs surgery—a unique and highly effective technique for removing specific types of skin cancers. But what exactly is Mohs surgery, how is it performed, and what makes Dr. Kevin Wright’s approach exceptional?
At The Clinic for Dermatology & Wellness, we’re proud to have Dr. Wright on our team, a full-time Mohs surgeon who approaches every surgery with the skill of a surgeon and the eye of an artist. Let’s dive in and explore this fascinating world where science meets artistry!
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery, commonly known as “Mohs,” is a precise surgical technique developed to treat skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other types of tumors. Named after its creator, Dr. Frederic Mohs, the procedure removes cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. Essentially, it’s a “see-as-you-go” technique, removing the visible tumor and immediately examining the margins under a microscope to ensure all cancer cells are out. This process is repeated until no cancer cells are detected, making it highly effective in both treating cancer and minimizing scarring.
How Is Mohs Surgery Performed?
The precision of Mohs surgery is its hallmark. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Comfort is a priority: The affected area is numbed with local anesthesia, ensuring comfort throughout the procedure.
- Removal of the Visible Tumor: Dr. Wright will carefully remove the visible portion of the cancerous lesion and a thin layer of tissue surrounding it.
- Layer-by-Layer Tissue Examination: This tissue is then processed and examined under a microscope to see if any cancer cells remain at the margins. If cancer cells are present, Dr. Wright will go back and remove an additional layer of tissue precisely where the cancer remains. This is one of the reasons Mohs surgery is so effective—Dr. Wright removes only what is necessary to clear the tumor.
- Checking the Margins Until Clear: The process of removing tissue and examining it continues until no cancer cells remain at the margins. Each layer is like peeling back an onion, stopping only when the core is clear and cancer-free.
- Wound Repair and Reconstruction: Once he completely removes the cancerous cells, Dr. Wright considers the area’s form and function. Depending on the size and location of the wound, he may close it with stitches, reconstruct it with a skin graft or flap, or allow it to heal naturally.
The entire process typically happens within the span of one visit, saving patients the need for multiple appointments and allowing them to leave cancer-free.
Why Dr. Kevin Wright’s Approach Stands Out
Dr. Wright doesn’t just remove cancer; he creates a balance between effectively eliminating it and preserving the skin’s aesthetic and functional aspects. His meticulous attention to detail ensures that, while the primary goal is eradicating cancer, the aesthetic outcome is also carefully considered.
Think of it this way: Skin is not just a barrier; it’s a representation of who you are. It’s your face, your hands, your legs—it’s the outward expression of you. Dr. Wright understands the importance of making sure that, after a skin cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery, you can go back to feeling like yourself. He works to create the best cosmetic outcome possible by using techniques designed to minimize scarring, blend with the natural contours of the body, and ensure the skin functions as it should.
Dr. Wright applies techniques to achieve a cosmetically favorable result, whether it’s your nose, eyelid, lip, or another prominent area. With his extensive experience as a full-time surgeon who spends his entire working week focused on Mohs surgeries, Dr. Wright’s refined skills ensure that every stitch and incision matters.
When Mohs Surgery May Not Be the Best Option
At The Clinic for Dermatology & Wellness, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge and involving them in their treatment decisions. While Mohs surgery is highly effective, it isn’t always the best choice for every patient. Factors that may affect whether someone is a good candidate for Mohs include:
- Health Conditions or Medications: Certain health conditions, like blood clotting disorders or those requiring anticoagulant medication, might make surgery riskier.
- Location and Size of Tumor: Sometimes, the location or size of the tumor may make surgery difficult or unfeasible.
- Patient Preference: For some patients, the prospect of surgery might be overwhelming, or they may have a strong preference for nonsurgical options.
In such situations, we offer another highly effective treatment—image-guided superficial radiation therapy (IG-SRT).
A Peek Into IG-SRT: A Nonsurgical Approach to Skin Cancer
IG-SRT provides a noninvasive alternative for treating skin cancer, especially for patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery or are concerned about the appearance of scars. This technology uses low-dose X-rays that are precisely targeted to destroy cancer cells while leaving the surrounding healthy tissue unharmed. As it is image-guided, the radiation can be targeted very accurately, maximizing effectiveness and minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue.
The treatment is performed over a series of quick and comfortable sessions, similar to receiving an X-ray. It’s an ideal option for those who prefer to avoid surgery, have health complications, or have lesions in hard-to-operate areas.
You can learn more about the differences between Mohs surgery and IG-SRT in our related blog post.
What To Expect After Mohs Surgery
It’s natural to have questions about what to expect after your Mohs surgery. After all, no one loves the idea of surgery, even if it’s as effective as Mohs.
After the procedure, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to care for your wound, manage any discomfort, and promote optimal healing. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the pain is afterward, often with over-the-counter pain relievers.
While some scarring is inevitable, Dr. Wright will take steps to ensure that the scar is as inconspicuous as possible, blending naturally with your skin’s contours and minimizing its visual impact. Over time, your body will naturally remodel the scar; with proper aftercare, you can expect it to fade and flatten significantly.
Conclusion: Embracing Form, Function, and Confidence
We hope this article has comprehensively explained Mohs surgery and IG-SRT. If you have further questions or want to discuss your treatment options, we encourage you to book a consultation with Dr. Wright.
At The Clinic for Dermatology & Wellness, we understand that skin cancer diagnosis can be scary. But with expert care from Dr. Kevin Wright, you can be confident that you’re in the best hands. His full-time dedication to skin cancer surgeries, meticulous approach to form and function, and commitment to achieving the best possible aesthetic outcomes mean that you’re not just getting a surgeon—you’re getting an advocate for your health, confidence, and quality of life.
Whether it’s Mohs surgery to treat your skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible or IG-SRT as a nonsurgical option, we’re here to help guide you through every step of your skin cancer treatment. Because at the end of the day, our goal is to make sure you not only live cancer-free but also feel great about the skin you’re in.
If you or someone you love is facing a skin cancer diagnosis and wants to learn more about Mohs surgery, IG-SRT, or any other treatment options, don’t hesitate to contact our team at The Clinic for Dermatology & Wellness at (541) 200-2777. Your skin deserves the best care; we’re here to provide it.
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