Download Mohs Micrographic Surgery Skin Cancer Treatment Deborah Zell

Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Skin Cancer Treatment
North Valley Dermatology
14155 N. 83rd Ave., Suite 110
Peoria, AZ 85381
(623) 215-0911
Meet Deborah Zell, MD
Dr. Zell graduated with her B.S. from Tulane
University with the honors of Summa Cum Laude
and Phi Beta Kappa while earning double majors
in Mathematics and Chemistry. She then attended
the Tulane University School of Medicine and
subsequently completed an Internal Medicine
internship in New Orleans, LA at Tulane Medical
Center.
Dr. Zell then conducted numerous clinical research
trials at the University of Miami in the Department
of Dermatology, focusing primarily on scarring.
After that, she completed her dermatology
residency at the University of Miami, where
she cared for a diverse and international patient
population, and was the recipient of several
prestigious awards in surgery and research.
Dr. Zell completed a highly sought after Mohs
Micrographic Surgery Fellowship in New York,
where she performed surgery at the State University
of New York – Downstate, the V.A. Hospital in
Brooklyn, and in private practice on Long Island.
She has also practiced dermatologic surgery in
private practice in New York City. Throughout
her career, Dr. Zell has also authored numerous
dermatologic articles and textbook chapters.
Dr. Zell is highly trained and skilled in the surgical
treatment of skin cancer. In her practice, she
serves as dermatologic surgeon, pathologist and
reconstructive surgeon. Her goal is to provide the
highest level of treatment, service, and patient care.
For more information,
please call to schedule a consultation
with Dr. Zell or visit our website for a
brief video on the Mohs procedure at:
www.northvalleydermatology.com
North Valley Dermatology
14155 N. 83rd Ave.
Suite 110
Peoria, AZ 85381
623.215.0911
Deborah Zell, MD FAAD
Board Certified
Fellowship Trained
American College of Mohs Surgery
Medical Director
Mohs Surgery
WHAT IS MOHS MICROGRAPHIC SURGERY?
Mohs is a specialized surgery to remove skin cancer
while minimizing the removal of normal tissue. It
is named after the originator of this technique, Dr.
Frederick Mohs, who created this procedure at the
University of Wisconsin in the early 1940s. Mohs
allows for a scar that is as small as possible, and
minimizes the chance for significant disfigurement.
After each layer of the tumor is removed, the
sample is examined under a microscope by Dr. Zell.
She then knows exactly where to take the next layer,
and can determine when the entire tumor has been
removed.
After your cancer is removed, Dr. Zell will
discuss your options to promote optimal healing.
Possibilities include allowing the wound to heal by
itself, repairing with sutures, or reconstructing the
wound with a surgical flap or skin graft.
WILL MOHS SURGERY CURE ME?
Mohs surgery provides the highest cure rate for
skin cancer when compared to all other treatment
options. If you have a basal cell cancer, there is a
99% chance that you will be cured with Mohs
surgery. If you have a squamous cell cancer, there is
a 95-97% chance that you will be cured with Mohs
surgery. Mohs is also very effective in curing skin
cancers that have recurred after prior treatment by
other methods. It is important to note that follow-up
visits with your referring physician are important to
detect a rare recurrence. After your postoperative
period, you will return to your referring physician
for routine skin care and tumor surveillance.
WHERE IS MOHS SURGERY PERFORMED?
Mohs surgery is performed during a single visit in
an office setting using local anesthesia to numb the
affected area. You do not need to be put to sleep or
treated in a hospital.
THE OPERATION
WHAT IS MOHS SURGERY USED TO TREAT?
Step 1
The roots of a skin cancer may
extend beyond the visible portion
of the tumor. If these roots are not
removed, the cancer will recur.
Step 2
The visible tumor is surgically
removed.
Step 3
A layer of skin is removed and divided
into sections. The surgeon then color
codes each of these sections with
dyes and makes reference marks on
the skin to show the source of these
sections. A map of the surgical site is
then drawn.
Step 4
The undersurface and edges of each
section are microscopically examined
for evidence of remaining cancer.
Step 5
If cancer cells are found under the
microscope, the surgeon marks their
location onto the “map” and returns
to the patient to remove another
layer of skin - but only from precisely
where the cancer cells remain.
Step 6
The removal process stops when
there is no longer any evidence of
cancer remaining in the surgical
site. Because Mohs surgey removes
only tissue containing cancer, it
ensures that the maximum amount
of healthy tissue is kept intact.
© 2008 - All Rights Reserved\American College of Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is used to treat basal cell skin
cancer, squamous cell skin cancer, and select
melanomas. It is an excellent choice for treating
larger tumors, recurrent tumors, tumors in
sensitive areas and areas of cosmetic and
functional importance such as the eyelid, nose,
ear, face, neck, hands, feet and genitalia. Mohs
surgery spares the maximum amount of normal
tissue, and therefore allows for the best cosmetic
and functional result.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE SURGERY DAY?
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE DAY?
The typical surgery day begins in the morning
and can last from 3-8 hours. The duration of
your surgery depends upon how extensive your
tumor is, and the number of layers that need
to be obtained to remove your entire tumor.
Prior to surgery, eat a normal breakfast, and
take your regular medications unless otherwise
instructed by your doctor. We have comfortable
accommodations at North Valley Dermatology
which include a TV, free wi-fi, select refreshments,
and space for you and a guest should you
decide to bring one for all or part of the day.
We do encourage you to bring food and reading
materials for your comfort.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY SURGERY?
Most people have very little discomfort after
the procedure, and are able to return to normal
activity the day after surgery. We do recommend
no exercise or heavy work for at least 48
hours after surgery to minimize bleeding. We
will instruct you on managing your dressing
changes, and will provide recommendations
for optimal postoperative care.