When to Consider Alternatives to Mohs Surgery?

Most people agree that Mohs surgery is one of the best ways to treat several forms of skin cancer, including squamous and basal cell carcinomas. The malignant tissue must be carefully removed layer by layer in this treatment to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. Despite having a high success rate, Mohs surgery is not always the best option. It may be more suitable to take Mohs surgery alternatives into consideration in certain situations.

Let’s have a look at other options.

Tumor Location and Size

The location and size of the tumor are important considerations when choosing a course of treatment. Small to medium-sized tumors respond well to Mohs surgery, especially when they are located in critical tissue preservation areas like the hands, neck, or face. However, alternative treatment options may be more sensible for larger tumors or those that are located in less visually appealing areas. For instance, radiation therapy or wide local excision may be successful for larger tumors or those in locations where removing a sizable quantity of tissue is less important.

Patient Health and Age

The state of the patient is a major factor in deciding if Mohs surgery is appropriate. The process requires local anesthetic which can take several hours at times. Surgery may be more physically taxing instead of beneficial for older patients or those with underlying medical issues. Less intrusive methods such as radiation therapy, cryotherapy, or topical therapies could be more bearable and safer in certain situations. Moreover, treatments that promote comfort and quality of life may be more appropriate for patients with limited time to live rather than removing malignant tissue aggressively.

Recurrence Risk and Previous Treatments

One crucial factor to consider for individuals who have had prior skin cancer treatments is the possibility of recurrence. It is commonly suggested for recurrent skin malignancies because Mohs surgery is so precise and comprehensive. However, alternative treatment methods may be more advantageous if the cancer has returned more than once or if prior procedures caused significant scarring. For example, radiation therapy can be a useful alternative because it does not involve additional cutting and can target cancer cells that are still present for individuals who have had numerous operations.

Access to Treatment and Specialist Availability

Lastly, one potential barrier is lack of access to Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery is not available in every medical facility, and requires a specialist surgeon. It might not be possible for patients who live in remote or underdeveloped areas to get to a center that performs Mohs surgery. It could be required in these situations to investigate more accessible alternative treatments like electrodessication and curettage (ED&C).

Even though Mohs surgery is still the gold standard for treating skin cancer, it is not always the best choice for a given patient or circumstance. Selecting the optimal course of action requires considering a number of factors, including the location of the tumor, the patient’s health, the likelihood of recurrence, individual preferences, and availability to therapy. Consulting with a dermatologist about all of your options will help you make the best treatment choice for your unique requirements and situation.