Use of Mohs Micrographic Surgery Is on the Rise, Researchers Say

    MILWAUKEE, WI, August 02, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The president of the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) (www.skincancermohssurgery.org) says the increased use of Mohs micrographic surgery documented in a recent study shows the benefits of the specialized procedure for treating skin cancer, especially in areas where superior cosmetic and functional results are crucial.

"Mohs surgery is an excellent, specialized technique for skin cancer treatment," says Dr. John G. Albertini, ACMS president. "The growing trend is good news for patients, and we're pleased awareness about this option is on the rise."

Mohs surgery, originally developed in the 1930s, is an advanced technique that removes various types of skin cancer tumors with precision, sparing as much of the surrounding healthy tissue as possible. It's especially effective for areas such as the face, neck, and hands, where restoring both form and function are very important. When performed by a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, the procedure offers the highest cure rate among skin cancer treatments.

The study, which examined cases over a 15-year period, shows that the use of Mohs surgery increased especially in the head and neck regions. Those areas are most often exposed to the sun, and the findings highlight the need for increasing public awareness about the dangers of prolonged sun exposure.

"The timing of this study's publication helps us remind the general public about the need for effective sun protection," Dr. Albertini says, "especially in the summer months when we spend so much time outdoors."

July is UV Safety Month, when dermatologists and other specialists focus their ongoing public education efforts on the need to protect themselves from the sun's damaging UV rays. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services features a What's Your UV:IQ? campaign pointing out that tanning salons and the sun pierce the skin with ultraviolet (UV) rays that are linked to skin cancer, weakened immune systems, eye problems, and a wrinkled, leathery appearance.

"The most effective way to limit sun damage is to avoid direct exposure," says Dr. Albertini, a board-certified and fellowship-trained dermatologist who specializes in Mohs surgery and advanced reconstructive surgery. "If you're going to be outside, wear long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunglasses and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays."

Dr. Albertini also recommends people visit their dermatologists regularly and keep an eye out for any new or different spots or moles.

"Catching problems early is the best way to treat them," he says. "Mohs surgery and all skin cancer treatments work best for educated, proactive patients, and that's why we're so pleased to see more people are aware of this excellent option."

The American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) is a membership organization of more than 1,300 fellowship-trained skin cancer and reconstructive surgeons specializing in the Mohs micrographic surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. The ACMS serves as the voice of the specialty, promoting and advancing the highest standards of patient care through fellowship training, research, education, and public advocacy. The organization was founded in 1967 by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, who pioneered the technique of removing skin cancer in stages, one tissue layer at a time, resulting in minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The ACMS is the only organization that requires members to have completed an extensive 1- to 2-year fellowship training program after completing their years of dermatology residency training. Learn more at www.skincancermohssurgery.org.

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