Introduction to MOHS Surgery of Morris
MOHS Surgery of Morris is a specialized practice dedicated to serving patients of Dermatology Associates and physicians within the wider community. The practice is led by Dr. Subhadra Shah, who is supported by a skilled team of nurses, patient liaisons, and laboratory technicians.
One patient shared their experience: "I had the Best experience "Ever" (for a surgical procedure)!! Staff was courteous, Dr. Shah was very informative taking the time to walk/talk me through the procedure & answer any questions I had. Dr. Shah talked me through every step and what I was to anticipate/feel etc. Absolutely put me at ease!! Both Dr. Shah & the assistants have excellent bedside manor! Excellent pre & post follow up regarding the procedure from her staff. I "Highly" recommend Dr. Shah and her staff."
Understanding MOHS Micrographic Surgery
MOHS Micrographic Surgery is a highly precise, tissue-sparing technique designed for the removal of skin cancers. Developed in the 1960s by Dr. Frederick Mohs at the University of Wisconsin, this procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
It offers the highest potential cure rate, estimated at 99%, while ensuring superior cosmetic results due to the minimal amount of tissue removed. A unique aspect of the MOHS procedure is that the physician, requiring specialized training, simultaneously acts as the surgeon, pathologist, and reconstructive surgeon.
The MOHS Procedure Step-by-Step
The procedure commences with Dr. Shah excising the visibly apparent tumor along with a narrow margin of surrounding healthy skin. The patient then proceeds to the waiting area while the removed specimen is meticulously processed in the on-site laboratory. Dr. Shah then microscopically examines the tissue to identify any residual tumor cells at the edges or base of the specimen.
Should any tumor be detected, an additional layer of tissue is removed and subjected to the same rigorous processing and analysis. The complexity and extent of the tumor may necessitate repeating this sequence multiple times until all margins are confirmed to be free of cancer cells.
Once clear margins are achieved, Dr. Shah will discuss the appropriate repair method, if necessary. Options for reconstruction include simple closure with sutures, more complex flap or graft procedures, or in some cases, no immediate repair may be required.
The total duration of a patient's visit is influenced by the number of tissue layers removed and the type of repair necessitated.
Patient Selection for MOHS Surgery
MOHS Surgery is not universally indicated for all skin cancers; careful patient selection is crucial. However, it is considered the treatment of choice for specific types of sun-induced skin cancers, including:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Certain melanomas
- Other less common growths meeting specific criteria
Criteria that favor MOHS surgery include:
- Cancers located in cosmetically sensitive or functionally critical areas such as around the eyes, nose, lips, and ears.
- Tumors that are large in size.
- Cancers exhibiting rapid growth.
- Growths with poorly defined edges.
- Recurrent skin cancers.
- Tumors with unusual microscopic characteristics identified during an initial biopsy.
Our Dedicated Staff and Facilities
The nursing and clerical staff at MOHS Surgery of Morris is comprised of approachable individuals committed to addressing the concerns and needs of patients undergoing this specialized surgery. They play a vital role in facilitating all aspects of the patient's journey, from scheduling appointments and ensuring a comfortable surgical visit, to providing comprehensive education on post-operative care.
Our technical staff possesses exceptional skills in the critical process of preparing tissue specimens for Dr. Shah's analysis, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of the MOHS procedure.
The surgical facility is situated in a modern suite of offices, physically separate from the main Dermatology Associates' offices, providing a dedicated and state-of-the-art environment for MOHS micrographic surgery.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery Description: Basics of Surgery with Geoffrey Lim
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