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Skin Cancer Procedures

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MidAmerica Plastic Surgery offers skin cancer removal in Glen Carbon using the modified Mohs procedure for patients from Maryville, Edwardsville, and the St. Louis area. This procedure includes specialized techniques to minimize disruption to the surrounding healthy tissue which results in the smallest scar possible. All skin cancer removal procedures leave scars, but MidAmerica Plastic Surgery takes special care to minimize the scar appearance.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Over 3 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common-occurring skin cancer. BCCs arise from the skin’s basal cells and are caused by over-exposure to sun or tanning beds. Basal cell skin cancers rarely spread but can become disfiguring. If left untreated for an extended amount of time, BCCs can spread and become life-threatening.

The second most common-occurring skin cancer is Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). This type of skin cancer stems from the skin’s squamous cells and is caused by sun exposure. SCCs can also develop from a pre-cancerous Actinic Keratosis. SCCs can become life-threatening if no action is taken to remove the cancerous lesion.

The highest cure rate for Basal Cell Carcinomas and Squamous Cell Carcinomas is a modified Mohs procedure.

Modified Mohs Procedures for Skin Cancer

Modified Mohs is a surgical procedure used to treat two common forms of skin cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. With a Mohs procedure, the cure rate for these cancers is 98% or higher, which is higher than any other treatment method. This is a very precise and accurate method of removing skin cancer. Mohs procedures allow your provider to verify that the skin cancer is completely removed at the time of the procedure. The modified Mohs procedure is completed by our Nurse Practitioner, Laura McKinzie, in partnership with board-certified pathologists.

The Modified Mohs Process

A modified Mohs procedure is completed in the office as an outpatient procedure. First, the skin cancer is identified and local anesthetic is used to numb the area. The cancer is then surgically removed and sent to the lab down the hall to be examined by a board-certified pathologist; this process takes about 30 minutes. Microscopic examination reveals if all of the skin cancer has been removed. If the margins are clear, the procedure is over. However, if the margins reveal residual cancer, more tissue is removed. This process is repeated until clear margins are achieved. Once the skin cancer is completely removed, the provider will decide the best way to close the wound. The goal of a modified Mohs procedure is to completely remove the skin cancer and leave as much healthy tissue as possible.

Before Your Modified Mohs Procedure

• Stop smoking well in advance of your procedure
• Stop taking the below before your procedure at the direction of your prescribing physician. If you are not able to stop taking, please let us know.
  • Aspirin
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Herbal supplements

During Your Modified Mohs Procedure

The length of your procedure will depend on how involved your skin cancer removal becomes. This process can take a few hours. At MidAmerica Plastic Surgery, we want you to be comfortable during your stay with us! We offer Netflix and Hulu to make your experience more enjoyable, as well as, private rooms for patients’ entire visit.

After Your Modified Mohs Procedure

After all of the cancer has been removed, the remaining wound must be repaired. There are many ways in which the wound can be closed including: stitches, skin grafts for large wounds, or skin flaps (shifting skin to cover the wound). Wound closure is patient dependent.

Possible Risks of a Modified Mohs Procedure Include:

• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Infection
• Poor healing of incisions
• Anesthesia risks
• Unfavorable scarring
• Frozen-section inaccuracy
• Recurrence of skin cancer
• Systemic spread of skin cancer
• Change in skin sensation
• Skin contour irregularities
• Skin discoloration/swelling
• Allergies to tape, suture materials and glues, blood products, topical preparations or injected agents
• Damage to deeper structures — such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs — can occur and may be temporary or permanent
• Pain, which may persist
• Possibility of revision surgery

Now what?

Dr. Ryan Diederich is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in a range of aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures at MidAmerica Plastic Surgery in Glen Carbon, IL. If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon east of St. Louis, you can schedule a consultation online, or call us at (618) 288-7855 to schedule an appointment.

*This article is intended as a guideline only. This is not intended as medical advice. There are no guarantees written or implied from the information presented here. Only a consultation can provide an appropriate evaluation and discussion regarding any procedure. Refer to your physician for medical decision making and advice.