We have come a long way in the last few decades; learning how to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. We have diligently applied our SPF 50 and turned our backs on tanning beds. The days of massaging tanning oils into our sun-baked skin are long gone. We are smarter than that now. But hearing your dermatologist mention that you have a spot of concern on your skin, especially hearing the words “skin cancer”, can be terrifying.
There are very promising outcomes for treating the most common forms of skin cancer with Mohs Micrographic Surgery. This procedure has been used for over 15 years with notable cure rates and favourable cosmetic outcomes. Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the gold standard for skin cancer treatment today.
Types of Skin Cancer
Three of the most common forms of skin cancer are Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Skin Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma. The push is still on to find a cure for cancer, but there is an effective treatment for Basal and Squamous Skin Cell Carcinoma and even for early-stage Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
Traditional Treatment
Wide local excision is the most common and accessible treatment for skin cancer. In this method, the surgeon identifies the tumor’s border and adds a margin to ensure the entire tumor is removed and to optimize the cure rate. After the tumor is removed, it is sent to a pathology lab for analysis. Confirmation that the tumor was completely removed could take several weeks.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a precise surgical procedure where thin layers of skin in the area of the visible cancer are removed one at a time and immediately analyzed to determine whether the tissue is cancerous. The surgeon will continue to remove layers for examination in the lab until no cancer cells are detected.
The Challenge For Patients Seeking Mohs Surgery
Although Mohs surgery is widely recognized as the preferred treatment for many skin cancer diagnoses, there is one significant challenge for patients seeking this procedure. There are fewer than 30 Mohs surgeons across Canada leading to a lack of access to treatment and long wait times.
World Class Training and Experience
Dr. Guo is board-certified in Canada and the US and has 16 years of post-secondary education. He has received surgical and cosmetic training at more than 15 prestigious institutions in Canada, the US, and Asia. He is a fellowship-accredited Mohs surgeon with expert knowledge on facial anatomy and surgical reconstruction. Dr. Guo brings an exceptional understanding of medical and cosmetic dermatology and many years of extensive experience to his practice.
The Benefits of Mohs Surgery
There are five primary benefits of Mohs Surgery for treating skin cancer:
- Better odds that the tumor will be completely removed- Because your surgeon will check for the presence of cancer cells as each layer is removed, there is a good chance that all traces of cancer can be detected and removed.
- Better cosmetic outcomes- Unlike in traditional treatment where your surgeon must remove a margin of healthy tissue to ensure the tumor is excised, the precise removal technique and immediate analysis of tissue mean that your surgeon can remove less skin and minimize scarring.
- Mohs Surgery is quick- Usually performed in your doctor’s office, the procedure is reasonably brief. Although you will need to wait for lab results between each removal, the procedure typically only lasts between two and four hours.
- It is virtually painless- Your surgeon will likely inject an anesthetic to numb the area to be treated, but most patients report little to no pain during or after the procedure.
- Mohs Surgery has high rates of success- The cure rate varies based on the type of tumor treated, but for basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, cure rates are typically around 95%.
Fellowship Training For Mohs Surgery
Dr . Danny Guo is a double board-certified medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologist with Fellowship training in Mohs Micrographic Surgery. A fellowship is an extra step taken by specialists after completion of their specialist training, and only a board-certified dermatologist can enroll in a fellowship program. Mohs surgeons are rigorously trained in facial anatomy and facial surgery. This allows Dr. Guo to perform the precise and intricate Mohs surgery with the most skilled knowledge, but also allows him to apply his familiarity with facial anatomy to every procedure he performs. This benefits most cosmetic and facial surgery and facial reconstruction patients because these complex procedures rely on an understanding of the location and function of facial bones, muscles, fat pads, nerves, blood vessels, and more.
SKIN CARE = PATIENT CARE
We strive to provide the best care, an exceptional patient experience, and superior results for both our medical and cosmetic clients. We aim to be your trusted resource for skin care and skin health. Here is what our patients have to say about their journey with us.
State Of The Art Facility
Visit our brand new state-of-the-art facility with top-of-the-line and cutting-edge technologies and equipment, and a full spectrum of medical, surgical, cosmetic, and laser dermatology. You can count on short wait times, knowledgeable staff, easy parking, and stringent COVID protocols. Our facility is one of the largest Mohs Surgical Suites in Canada.
Mohs Surgery in Alberta
Dr. Danny Guo is a fellowship-trained, certified Mohs surgeon offering treatment to patients in Edmonton and Calgary at his state of the art dermatological wellness centre. This facility will be one of Canada’s largest Mohs Surgical centres, providing accessibility to Mohs for patients in the Alberta area. Mohs is the gold standard in skin cancer treatment and is performed by a limited number of dermatologists in this country. With Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Dr. Guo can maximize the chance of clearing cancer by checking as he goes. And by removing only what is necessary, he minimizes the scope of the surgery and optimizes cosmetic outcomes. Dr. Danny Guo is committed to compassionate care and patient education. Connect with our team to learn more about Mohs surgery today.
COMMON SKIN CONDITIONS
Mohs Surgery FAQs
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types treated with Mohs surgery.
This type of surgery is most commonly used for head and neck skin cancers. But consultation is best to determine if your cancer, wherever it is, can be treated with Mohs surgery.
This will differ depending on the scope of the surgery performed. However, stitches when necessary are usually removed one week later and the scar could take up to 9-12 months to fully heal.
Distinctive Dermatology
Dr. Danny Guo promises informative, compassionate, and the most competent care for every dermatology patient he serves in the Calgary and Edmonton areas. He is highly educated and one of fewer than 30 fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons in Canada. For information on medical referrals or to book your complimentary cosmetic consultation contact our office at 1-403-286-6888.
Healthy. Beautiful.
Danny Guo MD is committed to serving patients in Calgary and Alberta as a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and reliable source for expert skincare. With a careful and compassionate approach, Dr. Guo offers medical and cosmetic dermatology services allowing patients to choose health and to feel good in the skin they are in.
Connect with our office at 1-403-286-6888 for your free consultation.