Mohs Surgery: Q&A
Ask a Question
Is Clinical Recurrence Required for Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
I have Basal Cell Carcinona (BCC) in the face (upper maxilla ), and it was removed on November 22, 2008. However, the surgeon did an incomplete primary excision and the biopsy showed positive margins for BCC. I did some research, and the Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) is a good option for the recurrent BCC. Do I need to have a clinical recurrence to undergo MMS?
Tags:
20 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
trufa
in san diego
+2
When to get Mohs
Mohs allows for the maximal amount of tissue conservation when it comes to dermatologic cancer resections. It can be indicated for any skin cancer on the face (or any other part of the body) if resection of that tissue is likely to leave a significant scar or a scar that can alter the function of things like the eyelids.
Just because you have positive margins may not mean you NEED Mohs if the treating physician feels that the resulting defect is likely to be similar or the reconstruction...
more
+2
No, you should probably have it now
While this doesn't substitute for a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon, it sounds as though you might now be a candidate for Moh's. The advantage of this would be to remove all BCC with clear margins and a minimal recurrence risk while sparing as much normal tissue as possible especially on your face. A proper reconstruction can then be done preferably by a plastic surgeon, not the Moh's dermatologist.
+1
Mohs is best treatment option for skin cancer on face.
No, you do not have to have a clinical recurrence to undergo MMS. Incomplete excision is an indication for Mohs Surgery of skin cancer.
You might also like...
Real Stories
Very Impressed with my Surgery Experience - Seattle, WA
Last month I had a biopsy done for a lump that had been forming on my nose. This lump had...
+1
Indications for Mohs surgery
One of the best indications for Mohs surgery is a recurrent tumor. When a skin cancer recurs it may have scar tissue mixed in with the tumor cells which may make other treatment options (e.g. radiation or other destructive techniques) less effective. However, in addition to recurrent tumors Mohs is also a good option for tumors with poorly defined clinical margins (i.e. can't tell where the tumor ends and normal skin begins), tumors with agressive appearances under the microscope,...
more
+1
Mohs indicated for skin cancer on the face
First of all, you should be commended for your research. And rest assure that Mohs surgery is the best option for you, it will leave you with the smallest scar possible and ensure that all the tumor is removed. Mohs surgery is perfectly indicated in your case-- having a skin cancer on the face that was incompletely removed the first time. You do not need to wait for clinically visible recurrence of the cancer before your proceed with Mohs surgery.
I would advise you to consult...
more
+1
Positive margins on BCC excision Qualifies for MOHS
Hi, Medicare guidelines for Mohs include positive margins on excision, recurrence of tumor, high risk head and neck areas, anatomically important areas such as hands and feet, immunosuppressed patients, aggressive tumor subtypes. The beauty of Mohs is that is an elegant tissue sparing method of removal of certain skin cancers with a high cure rate.
+1
Positive margin on a previous excision of BCC is a qualification for Mohs.
Good research on your part. An excision with a positive margin is a direct indication for Mohs and there is no need to wait for clinical (visible) recurrence of the basal cell carcinoma before proceeding to have Mohs to clear the margins.
See only a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon (American College of Mohs Surgery or Procedural Dermatology Fellowship) to investigage your options for best results.
+1
Mohs not just for recurrent tumors
There are several indications for using MOhs surgery. Recurrent basal cells or squamous cells are one indication. Other reasons for Mohs include tumors with poorly defined edges or borders where it is unclear where the tumor starts or stops. Any tumor that is in a cosmetically sensitive location such as the eyelid or near the eye or nose or ear are always appropriate to use the Mohs surgery procedure. Less common types of tumors such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans,...
more
+1
Mohs surgery indications
Clinical recurrence is one of the indications for Mohs Micrographic surgery. Other indications refer to poorly defined margins, high risk tumors, location on body, and then size of tumor.
+1
Moh's Surgery
The Mohs technique is best applied in aesthetically sensitive areas of the face (eyelid, nasal tip, lips) where tissue conservation is paramount. As other posters have stated, it offers the lowest recurrence rate amongst incisional techniques. It is also indicated for recurrent squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas (not for melanoma). In my practice, I often refer skin cancer patients to a local Mohs surgeon and I subsequently perform reconstruction when the margins have been cleared. ...
more
Comments (0)