Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer by the age of 70. Fortunately, with early detection, the survival rate is higher than most other forms of cancer. However, a survivor might not anticipate the anxiety they experience because of the residual scars left behind by cancer removal.
Surgeons like Dr. Joel Aronowitz specializes in a surgical procedure known as facial skin cancer excision. This is specific to patients who have specific types of skin cancer, such as dysplastic moles, lentigo maligna, and melanomas. The surgical approach used during this operation is known as the Slow Mohs Technique.
What Is the Slow Mohs Technique?
This technique stems from a type of surgery known as Mohs, a concentrated procedure where layers of affected skin are carefully removed. This approach works through thin layers of skin tissue until the cancer can no longer be detected. The goal is to get rid of the cancerous tissue while preserving the healthy skin surrounding the affected area.
This approach works two-fold. It both removes the skin cancer while allowing the surgeon to verify that it is all gone. Slow Mohs takes the extra measure to validate that the cancer is eliminated by sending the results to a lab and confirming that all of it has been successfully extracted. The turnaround time for results is very fast. Patients will be able to confirm the status with the surgeon within a very short time span. Joel Aronowitz, and other surgeons who specialize in this type of surgery, are certified and trained to perform this type of procedure.
What Are the Benefits of Slow Mohs Surgery?
There is a reason the term “face forward” exists. For many people, their face is the most important feature of their body because it is the first impression they make on the world around them. So, when skin cancer affects the facial skin, the treatment method involves particular consideration. While the cancer certainly should be removed as soon as possible, a patient would probably prefer a procedure that leaves very minimal scarring.
That is one of the biggest benefits of this type of procedure. In addition to being a very effective treatment method for removing skin cancer, Slow Mohs is an excellent option for minimal scarring. Essentially, there are no downsides to the procedure.
Is Slow Mohs Technique the Right Choice?
Any patient who has been diagnosed with skin cancer will probably understand how important and personal their treatment options are. Cancer is a serious condition that requires serious thought about how it should be treated. Depending on the type of skin cancer a person has, if Slow Mohs is an option, it is one of the best possible treatments available. However, anyone who is considering treatment options should always schedule a consultation with a medical professional to explore their choices and what type of surgery would be best for their situation.