Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common in the Brazilian population, accounting for 95% of malignant skin tumors and 30% of all cancers. The National Cancer Institute (INCA) estimate is 175,000 new cases each year.
This type of skin cancer is less deadly than skin cancer, but in the affected area it can cause destruction over a period of months/years. The most common subtypes are basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
According to Dr. Felipe Cersei, dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, author/co-author of 48 scientific articles, mostly on basal cell carcinoma and Mohs surgery, this technique is a highly effective and indicated treatment method for facial conditions. “The least invasive procedure is able to completely remove the skin cancer roots and keep the skin as healthy as possible. This is possible because the surgeon analyzes the surgical edges under a microscope immediately after removing the lesion,” he said.
Maintaining healthy skin provides a smaller scar for the patient and, in many cases, is important for functional problems. For example, unnecessary skin removal due to eyelid or nose cancer can lead to impaired vision and breathing.
For these reasons, it is these areas that are considered “noble” that Mohs surgery is indicated as a treatment. “They are located on the face and have an aesthetic and functional importance. We are talking about the nose, eyelids, ears and in the area around the mouth,” he explained.
Several studies indicate the safety and effectiveness of Mohs surgery. “When the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology and the American College of Mohs Surgery, the complication rates are very low (0.72%), including surgical wound infections, which represent a total of only 0.39%. Who says the expert.
Mohs surgery is primarily indicated in cases of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the face. However, other rare tumors such as cutaneous tuberous fibrosarcoma, microcystic adenoid carcinoma, sebaceous carcinoma and atypical fibrosarcoma can also be treated.
An American study – entitled “Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction After Mohs Microsurgery in Patients with Non-melanoma Skin Cancer” by Erica B. Lee, Aubrey Ford, Dillon Cleary, Ashley Wessong, and Adam in Sutton – conducted with patients who underwent Mohs surgery showed that 97% of patients had They are satisfied with the procedure and, if necessary, will undergo it again.
It is important to stress that most carcinomas are not found on the face, and therefore are not identified for Mohs surgery and can be appropriately treated with conventional surgery, curettage (similar to scaling) and electrocautery, among other treatments.
protection Some precautions are necessary to prevent skin cancer, see some basic tips for summer:
– Use a high-protection sunscreen on all areas exposed to the sun;
– Choose to expose yourself to the sun before 10 am and after 4 pm;
– Always wear sunglasses.
Accessories such as hats and caps are essential.
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