Mohs – the gold standard for skin cancer surgery in Brooklyn, NY

If you are looking for the most effective skin cancer surgery, look no further than Khrom Dermatology right here in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Tatiana Khrom is among the very few dermatologists who have completed training in Mohs micrographic surgery. It is a sophisticated technique, with better medical and cosmetic results than any other cancer removal method currently available.

What is Mohs micrographic surgery?

This technique was developed in the 1930s by medical pioneer Frederic Mohs, although it was not commonly used until the 1960s. It is a multi-phase surgery, completed in one appointment. The process begins with removing a very thin layer of tissue. That tissue is then evaluated to map the precise location of cancerous cells. Using that information as a guide, the surgeon removes another thin layer, and evaluates it. The process is repeated until no more cancerous cells are detected.

Once the cancer has been completely removed, the surgical wound is carefully closed. The Mohs technique requires exceptional skill and extensive training, because it requires surgeons to fill three roles. First, they remove cancerous lesions. Next, they act as pathologists, analyzing laboratory specimens. Finally, they are also the cosmetic surgeons who restore the area after treatment.

All of this is done during a single appointment, which can vary in length of time, depending on the size of the cancer and the location on the body. Patients are welcome to speak to their dermatologist about this option and determine if it is the best solution for their specific needs. Many patients will find that Mohs will not only eliminate the skin cancer but will greatly reduce the chances of it recurring. Additionally, because of Mohs precision care, the wound often leaves little to no scarring. This is what makes Mohs micrographic surgery the most desirable choice for patients who have cancer on a very visible area of the body such as the face that would cause disfigurement if removed with another method.

The benefits of Mohs Surgery

With most skin cancer removal methods, the surgeon is guided only by visual clues. He or she must look at the tumor and determine how much tissue to remove. Because cancers can have deep roots, a wide margin of tissue around the tumor is usually removed. As a result, the surgical wound is usually larger than necessary, but occasionally it is not large enough and cancer is left behind.

Only Mohs surgery includes progressive cancer removal with pathological analysis during the procedure.

What other treatment options are available for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer?

When patients have been diagnosed with skin cancer, they are introduced to the many ways it can be treated. Dermatologists often have several methods available to help before patients are introduced to an oncologist for possible further treatment. First, Mohs micrographic surgery is the most recommended option, as it can ensure removal of all the cancer and reduce the risk of its return. However, it’s not the only treatment. At Khrom Dermatology and Aesthetics, we also provide excision, which removes the cancer from the skin with cutting, and curettage and electrodesiccation, in which the skin cancer is scraped off the surface of the skin and an electric needle addresses the remaining cells. Both options are also available at our practice and can be used in specific situations.

There are times when patients may feel more comfortable by working with an oncologist. An oncologist works with patients who have been diagnosed with cancer and can offer other treatment solutions for patient consideration, including radiation and chemotherapy. By working with a team of dedicated professionals to assist with the treatment of cancer, many patients feel at ease knowing that they are making the right decision for their body and health. We can provide a recommendation for patients who are interested in seeking an oncologist.

Aftercare for patients who have undergone Mohs micrographic surgery

As with any surgery, with proper care and attention, patients can reduce the chance of scarring. After the procedure, some patients may have an open wound, skin graft, or stitches that make following a proper wound care regimen critical to recovery. Patients need to protect their surgical wound from infection and keep the body healthy to ensure the best recovery and reduced chances of problems.

Our dermatologist will provide patients with instructions on how they can care for their wound immediately following their procedure. A special dressing will cover the wound for approximately 24 hours. This is done to ensure proper blood clotting and a reduced risk of excess blood loss. Patients should keep the area dry around the surgical site for at least one day following surgery. Here are a few tips and recommendations:

• Our dermatologist will let patients know when it is okay for them to bathe or shower.
• Patients should avoid lifting heavy objects or physical activities for a few days following their treatment to reduce the chance of pulling the wound open and to facilitate faster healing.
• Patients should take great care in monitoring their wound for blood or drainage and address it with firm pressure to the surgical dressing for up to fifteen minutes until it stops. A wound that does not stop bleeding may need to be seen by a medical professional.
• It is essential that patients keep the wound clean. Our dermatologist will provide instructions regarding the best way to clean the area of treatment, including how often it should be done.
• Patients are welcome to ask for extra wound care supplies to ensure they can properly care for their wounds at home.

• Patients will notice some redness and swelling for a few days following their procedure, and this is normal. However, patients who are experiencing swelling for an extended period and are not seeing results with cold packs should contact the doctor, as this may be a sign of an infection.
• Redness and itching may be present, and this is normal. It can take up to six months for redness from the procedure to fade, depending on the size of the wound.
• Patients should take great care in watching for signs of infection around the wound. This may include green or yellow drainage, redness that forms threadlike patterns, enlarged lymph nodes, high fever, or increasing pain.
• Patients can minimize the risk of scars by taking great care in protecting their skin following their treatment. Patients should closely follow their doctor’s instructions regarding wound care and should avoid sun exposure, which can cause scarring to become noticeable.

What should patients do to ensure skin cancer does not recur?

Proactive care for the skin is highly recommended for patients who have had a diagnosis of skin cancer. Though Mohs micrographic can greatly reduce the risk of the cancer recurring in the same area, it doesn’t mean that skin cancer cannot develop elsewhere on the body. It is highly recommended that all patients, regardless of whether they have had a skin cancer diagnosis, visit a dermatologist every year for an annual skin cancer screening. These screenings allow the dermatologist to evaluate the patient’s skin from head to toe to look for any moles, skin tags, or growths that may be indicative of skin cancer. Our team will then provide a biopsy, which is the removal of a thin portion of the growth, to send off to a lab to check for cancerous skin cells. If patients have a diagnosis of skin cancer, the type and stage will help the dermatologist determine what treatment is best for removal and to bring the patient’s skin back to its original health.

Schedule an appointment with the team of Khrom Dermatology and Aesthetics today to discuss Mohs and other skin cancer services available

When facing the frightening possibility of cancer, Brooklyn residents trust their skin to the skilled and compassionate hands of Dr. Tatiana Khrom and her professionals. Call 718-751-0674 for a consultation. Khrom Dermatology and Aesthetics has three locations in the area of Brooklyn for the convenience of our patients.