Services & Procedures
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Mohs Surgery
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a safe and effective treatment for skin cancer that thoroughly excises the tumor while only mildly disturbing surrounding tissue. It is the only skin cancer treatment available that targets only cancerous tissue through comprehensive microscopic examination of the affected area.
Designed by Frederic E. Mohs, M.D., in the 1930s, Mohs Surgery excises not only the visible tumor but also any "roots" that may have extended beneath the surface of the skin. Five-year cure rates have been demonstrated up to 99 percent for first-treatment cancers and 95 percent for recurring cancers.
This procedure is most commonly used for the treatment of basal and squamous cell carcinomas, the two most common types of skin cancer, although it can also be used to treat melanoma and other types of cancer. Mohs surgery is often recommended for recurring cancer because its results are so thorough. It is also ideal for treating cancer in cosmetically and functionally prominent areas such as the nose, eyelids, lips, hairline, hands, feet and genitals.
Mohs Surgery Procedure
Mohs surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in Dr. Prystowsky's office. She has 15 years of experience as a Mohs surgeon and a well-equipped office to perform the entire procedure. During the Mohs surgery procedure, the affected area is numbed with a local anesthetic. Small layers of skin are removed and then the area is closely examined to see if the cancer has been thoroughly eradicated. This process significantly reduces damage to surrounding tissue while effectively removing all traces of cancer.
Most Mohs procedures can be performed in three or less stages, which usually takes less than four hours to perform. Some cases may take longer, as there is no way of predicting the extent of cancer growth before treatment begins. Patients should arrange for someone to take them home following surgery.
Recovery and Results from Mohs Surgery
After Mohs surgery, patients may experience mild discomfort, bruising and swelling around the treated area. Prescription pain medication is available for patients if needed, although most only require Tylenol for pain relief.
There will be scarring after Mohs surgery once the area is healed, although the scars from this procedure are often smaller than those from other excision procedures. For patients concerned with the appearance of their skin after treatment, reconstructive procedures are available to reduce or even eliminate the appearance of the scar using skin flaps, skin grafts, tissue filler injections and more. These procedures may be performed at the same time as Mohs surgery or at a later date. Dr. Prystowsky may also utilize certain techniques to reduce visual scarring, including placing stitching in the skin's natural crevices or out-of-sight areas. In selective cases, Dr. Prystowsky may recommend a plastic surgeon to reconstruct the tissue.
Compared to other skin cancer treatments, Mohs surgery has a very high success rate. Basal cell carcinomas have a 97-99 percent cure rate, while squamous cell carcinomas are cured 94 percent of the time.
Risks of Mohs Surgery
Although Mohs surgery is considered safe for most patients, there are certain risks involved with any type of surgical procedure. Some of these risks may include numbness, muscle weakness, tenderness, itching, pain and failure of skin flaps and grafts. These risks are considered rare and, if they do occur, are usually mild and temporary. Patients can reduce the risk of complications by choosing an experienced Mohs surgeon like Dr. Prystowsky to perform their treatment, and by following Dr. Prystowsky's instructions after the procedure.
To learn more about the benefits of Mohs surgery, please call our office today to schedule a consultation and find out if this procedure is right for you.
Mole/ Growth Checks
While most moles and other skin growths are not of medical concern, it is important to screen for cancer and other skin conditions that can develop in some cases. Full-body skin exams to detect any new moles and growths, as well as to monitor existing growths, are recommended on a yearly basis in order to screen for skin cancer and detect any abnormalities in their earliest stages. To classify a mole, Dr. Prystowsky will evaluate its color, size, border and any asymmetries that may indicate a potential for cancer. She will also ask you if the growth has evolved, or changed over time and what way it has changed. If any suspicious lesions are found during this exam, additional testing will likely be performed.
To learn more about about the medical services provided by Dr. Prystowsky, please contact us today.
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110 East 55th Street, 7th Floor
New York, New York 10022
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