Slow Mohs procedure on toe with melanoma in situ?

Question

I was recently diagnosed with superficial spreading melanoma in situ on my third toe. My dermatologist would like to perform "slow mohs" to remove the remaining tissue. He has told me that the area will be open for 1 week while the samples are mapped and then go back in to either remove more tissue and/or close the area. Does this seem like the right procedure for my toe and will this procedure have the same cure rates and a WLE? Everything I am reading for slow mohs is for lintigo melanoma.

Omar Ibrahimi, MD, PhD · Answer

Its difficult to comment on your situation without seeing the area in person and reviewing the pathology report, but in general your melanoma appears to be in situ which is very good. The reason your dermatologist is suggesting slow Mohs (which is not really Mohs surgery but uses the concept of Mohs to minimize removal of normal skin) is to get the melanoma out without taking out too much normal skin. If done by a well trained surgical dermatologist this can have as good a cure rate as wide local excision. I routinely use this option on the face, hands and feet for early melanomas and favor it over wide local excision.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

"Slow Mohs" is primarily done when a physician doesn't have an in-office histopathologist and must send every level out to a lab for examination to examine the margins of the cancer being removed. When traditional Mohs are performed we do it in-office with a histopath here so that each level is examined and the patient doesn't need to return again and again. I'd try to find an office to treat you with a traditional Mohs rather than a "slow Mohs". My assumption is that you perhaps aren't going to a board-certified Mohs surgeon..... "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and 
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Slow Mohs procedure on toe with melanoma in situ?

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Slow Mohs procedure on toe with melanoma in situ?

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Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.