MOHS RECONSTRUCTION

REPAIRING THE AREA AFTER REMOVING CANCERS

During their lifetime, 1 out of every 5 Americans will develop skin cancer with 80% of those cancers developing on the face, neck or scalp. Mohs skin cancer removal and surgery technique involves two critical components: 1) Removal of the cancer, after microscopically examining the cancerous area to determine how much tissue to remove, and then re-examining the area (all the margins) to ensure complete removal of the cancer. 2) Reconstruction of the defect that remains after removal of the skin cancer. Most defects (cancers) are found on the forehead, cheeks, nose and lips, and skilled reconstructive surgery is involved to avoid serious aesthetic or functional deformity. The nose, being the most prominent figure on the face, presents the greatest challenge during reconstruction, due to the complexity of its size, shape and function.

SYMPTOMS OF SKIN CANCER:
• Small lump (spot or mole), shiny, waxy, pale color, smooth texture
• Red, firm lump (spot or mole)
• Sore or spot that bleeds or becomes crusty
• Sores that don’t heal
• Rough/scaly skin patches
• Flat, scaly, red or brown areas
• New suspicious growths

BENEFITS OF MOHS PROCEDURES
• Mohs surgical excision has proven to achieve the highest skin cancer cure rate
• Removal & reconstruction methods & techniques ensure maximum tissue preservation
• Cancer removal & cosmetic reconstruction are done in tandem
• Mohs maps determine & guide the surgeons to the precise location(s) of the tumor and its growth pattern beneath the skin surface
• Immediate tissue re-examination is employed
• Mohs micrographic techniques are highly specialized & precise
• Dr. Bloom is a skin cancer reconstruction specialist…expertly trained & experienced

IS MOHS RIGHT FOR ME?
Men and women of all ages, with skin cancer of the head and neck are choosing Mohs procedures because they understand the high rate of survival and the wonderful reconstruction results achieved. Dr. Bloom can determine if Mohs micrographic surgery is your best option. He works with many Mohs surgeons and is specialized in the reconstruction of skin cancer defects. His patients realize the amazing benefits of trusting their care to a specialist.

MOHS CANCER REMOVAL & RECONSTRUCTION…HOW IT’S DONE
1. Visible cancer (tumor) is identified
2. Local anesthesia is used to numb the tumor & surrounding areas
3. The cancer is skillfully removed in one piece with the least amount of surrounding normal tissue possible
4. The underside of the cancerous tissue is mapped & used as a guide to locate any remaining tumor
5. Map is processed for microscopic analysis
6. Dr. Bloom works with a Mohs dermatologist who closely/critically examines the map to identify any other cancer cells (microscopically)
7. Map guides him to any remaining cells for removal
8. Entire process is repeated…until all margins of all excised tissue are free of cancer cells
9. Reconstructive surgery is performed

Skin flaps or skin grafts are used for the reconstruction process. Flaps are taken from nearby areas with excess healthy tissue. This is “flapped” over the defect area to repair it. Grafts are taken from inconspicuous areas such as behind the ear or near the collar.

Did you Know?

Dr. Bloom has authored over 20 journal articles and book chapters, and has given numerous presentations at national and international conferences. Dr.Bloom continues to be academically involved with teaching residents, and performing research studies and clinical trials in the area of facial plastic & reconstructive surgery. Additionally, he is an active member of both the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) and American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).

Dr. Bloom on Mohs Reconstruction

Mohs is a highly specialized technique used to remove skin cancers of the head and neck while preserving the greatest amount of tissue possible.

Mohs Procedure Frequently Asked Questions:

IS RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY NECESSARY AFTER CANCER TISSUE REMOVAL?
Yes, there are 3 main reasons for you to consider:
1) To repair damaged tissue;
2) rebuild body parts;
3) restore function & a pleasing appearance.
A high percentage of people requiring cancer removal today are choosing Mohs removal and reconstructive surgery.

ARE THERE OTHER METHODS OF CANCER REMOVAL?
Yes. The method used is determined by the type of cancer, its growth stage and location on the body. Some of these are: curettage, cryosurgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

ARE THERE OTHER NAMES FOR MOHS PROCEDURES?
Yes, there are: Mohs, Mohs excision, Mohs removal, Mohs surgery.

IS MOHS RECONSTRUCTION USED AFTER OTHER TYPES OF CANCER REMOVAL?
In cases of major surgery, even though they are life saving, they often result in less than pleasing cosmetic and functional results. Mohs is used regularly to restore function and a more pleasing appearance after these procedures.

WHY IS MOHS RECONSTRUCTION OF THE NOSE CHALLENGING?
All facial procedures require comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the complex facial anatomy. Each area presents unique challenges, but the structure, size, shape and function of the nose presents more complex aspects than the lips, forehead or cheeks.

WHAT MAKES DR. BLOOM QUALIFIED TO PERFORM MOHS REMOVAL & REPAIR?
Dr. Bloom is a specially trained and experienced facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He has performed many Mohs reconstructive procedures and he performs them regularly with great skill, precision and artistic ability.

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