what a dermatologist can do for you

Skin cancer is far more common than you may realize. In the US, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer with more than one in five developing it within the course of their lifetime. There are various types of skin cancer, including non-melanoma and melanoma, and it can occur almost anywhere on the body. There are also different treatment options available, including Mohs surgery. Here's what you should know about this type of treatment for skin cancer.

How It Works

The first thing that you should know is how the Mohs procedure works. When it comes to treating skin cancer, removing the cancer cells is vital. With Mohs surgery, thin layers of skin are removed and examined under a microscope for cancer cells. Most people are awake for this surgery, and the area being treated is numbed. Your surgeon will continue to remove the layers of skin until no more cancer cells are detected under the microscope. After that, the area may require stitches or a skin graft if a large area of skin has been removed.

When It's The Right Option

Mohs surgery is typically used to remove non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It is also sometimes used to remove melanoma. Your surgeon will help you determine whether or not this procedure is right for you. It's a great option if you have skin cancer that has returned or if you have skin cancer in a sensitive area where you want to minimize scarring. Since your doctor will verify that the cancer cells have been removed, there is less of a chance that further treatments will be needed.

How Much It Costs

The cost of Mohs surgery will vary depending on how much skin tissue is removed, the type of skin cancer you are dealing with, how long the procedure takes, and whether or not you have health insurance. On average, the fees for Mohs surgery range between $1,000 and $3,000. If a large area of skin tissue is removed, there may be additional costs for reconstruction. It's important to discuss the costs with your doctor before going through the procedure.

Mohs surgery is a very effective way to treat skin cancer. If you are considering this procedure, there are a few things to know. First, this procedure works by removing layers of skin and examining them under a microscope until there are no more cancer cells detected. This procedure can work for both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers. Costs will vary, but in most cases, you will pay between $1,000 and $3,000.