Cutaneous (Skin) Cancer Treatment Center
Chrysalyne D. Schmults, MD, director of Dermatologic Surgery
Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Surgery Center
Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly specialized technique for removing skin cancers that offers patients an excellent chance for cure. It has become a treatment of choice for tumors on the face and other cosmetically important areas.
Developed in the 1940s by Dr. Frederic Mohs, this procedure involves surgically removing most of the cancer and some underlying tissue, freezing and marking the removed tissue with dye, and analyzing it under a microscope. The tissue is matched against a drawn "map" of the wound to pinpoint the exact location of any remaining tumor. If more cancer is found, the entire procedure is repeated-but only in the area where disease remains.
Staff
DFBWCC's unit, opened in 1998, is led by Chrysalyne D. Schmults, MD, an experienced Mohs surgeon from the University of Pennsylvania, who joined the Department of Dermatology faculty in 2007. Other members of Mohs care giving team include doctors in training, nurses, histotechnicians, and administrative staff.
Choices
There are three main forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Mohs micrographic surgery is one of several methods for treating skin cancer; others include excision (surgical removal and immediate closure), curettage and electrodesiccation (scraping with a curette and burning with an electric needle), laser treatment, radiotherapy (X-ray), cryosurgery (freezing), and chemotherapy-either topical or injected.
Advantages
Although no treatment is guaranteed, the success rate of Mohs micrographic surgery is very high, even if other forms of treatment have failed. Also, as little normal tissue as possible is removed because mapping the tumor reduces guesswork. Mohs surgery also tends to minimize scarring. The procedure is covered by almost all insurance plans.
Disadvantages
Mohs micrographic surgery is a time-consuming method for treating skin cancer. Because the process may involve several surgical stages, it may take several hours and often all day to complete.
Contacts
Phone: (617) 983-4626
Fax: (617) 983-4504
Address/Location
Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center at Faulkner Hospital1153 Center Street, Suite 4349
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130-3446
Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A handbook for patients (PDF format)
