Most skin cancers found on the ears, with the exception of melanomas, are relatively easy to treat. Although they can often leave permanent signs of their journey in the pathway of life, they generally do not derail life’s course. Cancers of the ears do pose some unique challenges for two reasons: because there is not much skin on the ear to spare in the first place, and because the skin is so adherent to the underlying cartilage that even small tumors can invade deeply. Dr. Yagoda specializes in ear repair after cancer in New York, New York City (NYC) and Manhattan.
Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS/MOHS) is a skin-sparing surgical technique used to remove cancerous lesions. Dr. Yagoda (based in Manhattan, New York) works with the dermatologist specializing in MOHS surgery to ensure complete cancer removal and an inconspicuous closure to produce the desired cosmetic result. During the surgery, thin sections of the skin surrounding the lesion are removed and immediately examined under a microscope in a lab at the same location. (In typical excisional biopsies, the skin is sent to a lab off-premises and results are not available for several days). If evidence of cancer is found, another thin section is removed until the margins of the area are found to be free of suspicious cells. MOHS technique ensures the complete removal of all microscopically diseased tissue while preserving the maximum amount of healthy surrounding tissue.
Although MOHS surgery is time-consuming, it has the lowest recurrence rate of malignancies and preserves more healthy tissue than other methods. It’s the treatment of choice for aggressive or recurrent carcinomas and especially for lesions in particular areas of the face.
Even though MOHS is as skin sparing as possible and many procedures result in tiny, completely inconspicuous scars, some lesions are simply too big, too deep, or too conspicuously placed to be removed without leaving a noticeable or even disfiguring scar. In these instances, a facial plastic surgeon, like Dr. Michelle Yagoda, can reconstruct the area and restore her patient’s appearance.
Contact our New York City (NYC) and Manhattan office to schedule your consultation. Ideally, you should see Dr. Yagoda in advance of the MOHS surgery, so that she can plan for a repair and coordinate her schedule with that of your MOHS surgeon.
Read about Dr. Yagoda’s Integrative Post Operative Care Program
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