It is fairly common for people to be concerned about their risk of developing skin cancer. Research shows that as many as one in five Americans will be diagnosed with the disorder at some point in their life, most commonly in people who are sensitive to sunlight or have other risk factors, such as freckles and pale skin. Fortunately, as long as it is detected early, skin cancer is relatively easy to treat: even melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is highly curable as long as it is treated early. However, if you suspect that you have skin cancer, it is important to visit a dermatologist clinic for a diagnosis as soon as possible. In most cases, allowing a potentially cancerous lesion to continue to develop can cause deformity. And while the rate of melanoma is comparatively low, this form of the disease can spread to a person’s lymph nodes and internal organs, resulting in death.

But what happens if you are diagnosed with skin cancer? What is your next step? You may expect to undergo chemotherapy, but in most cases, other skin cancer treatment options will be used. Depending on your individual case, your dermatologist will likely advise a treatment known as Moh’s Surgery, a common method of removing skin cancer.

What is Moh’s Surgery?
Moh’s surgery is a precise surgical technique used to remove most forms of skin cancer, including some forms of melanoma. It is especially common in cases where the cancerous lesion has developed in areas where the doctor wants to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible, such as on the face, hands, feet and genitals. Moh’s surgery progressively removes layers of cancerous skin until the site is no longer cancerous. This reduces the need for further treatment and allows a doctor to verify that the patient is cancer-free during surgery.

How Do I Choose the Best Dermatologist for this Surgery?
If you have not been recommended a specialist or would prefer to work with a different dermatologist for various reasons, a simple online search can usually reveal doctors in your area who perform the procedure. Most dermatologists learn about the surgery in their medical training, but the best dermatologists often undergo specialized training or fellowships to learn more about the procedure. Before scheduling your surgery, ask a dermatologist about their qualifications and any other concerns you may have. The best dermatologists will demonstrate competence and ability in their knowledge and experience, making you feel comfortable about undergoing the procedure.

How Do I Prepare for the Surgery?
While most doctors estimate that Moh’s surgery will take about four hours, most recommend that patients clear their schedule for the entire day. It is also recommended that patients wear comfortable clothing and bring something to help pass the time as their samples are tested. Following the procedure, depending on the damage, expect your dermatologist to discuss reconstruction and potentially refer you to another specialist.

A skin cancer diagnosis can often be a frightening revelation, and the prospect of surgery may not help. However, the Moh’s procedure has been used for decades to safely and effectively treat skin cancer, one of the most highly treatable forms of the disease. If you have any further questions about the disease, the surgery, or other treatments, discuss them with your dermatologist. Great references here: www.wederm.com