Austin Dermatologists Use "Gold Standard" in Skin Cancer Treatment

AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwired - Jun 26, 2013) - Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and research has shown that early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the life-threatening risks associated with the condition. According to one Austin dermatology practice, a state-of-the-art procedure known as Mohs Micrographic Surgery has been dramatically changing the way certain types of skin cancer are treated. When possible, Drs. Adam J. Mamelak and Miriam L. Hanson with Sanova Dermatology use Mohs Micrographic Surgery to precisely remove areas of skin cancer with little to no harm to surrounding healthy tissue.

Skin cancer has been estimated to affect 1 in 5 people in many parts of North America. Mohs Micrographic Surgery has been shown to have a 99% success rate for certain types of cancerous tumors on the skin. Dr. Frederick Mohs, a surgeon who formerly worked at the University of Wisconsin, developed the Mohs Micrographic technique -- a procedure which utilizes a microscope to trace the edges of tumors and ensure that the roots of the cancer are eliminated, while sparing as much of the healthy tissue surrounding it as possible. This precise technique can make it possible not only for successful cancer removal, but also less visible scarring after treatment. 

Mohs Micrographic Surgery can be particularly beneficial when used on delicate areas of the body, including the eyelids, the nose, and the lips. Drs. Mamelak and Hanson note that Mohs Micrographic Surgery can often be ideal for any cosmetically sensitive area of the face.

The technique can only be performed by dermatologists and medical professionals who have received specialized training in the procedure. The American College of Mohs Surgeons organizes and directs these training programs, which are designed to develop expertise in skin oncology, pathology, and reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Mamelak and Dr. Hanson have also used the Mohs technique to treat:

• Aggressive cancers
• Recurrent cancers
• Cancers that have ill-defined borders
• Cancers that arise in areas previously treated with radiation
• Patients with suppressed immune systems

Austin dermatologists Adam J. Mamelak, MD and Dr. Miriam Hanson consider Mohs Micrographic Surgery "the gold standard of skin cancer treatments" at Sanova Dermatology. They have used the Mohs technique to treat all three major types of skin cancers: melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and basal cell carcinomas. Drs. Mamelak and Hanson recommend for any individuals who are interested in learning if they are good candidates for Mohs surgery to contact a specialist for a consultation.

Adam J. Mamelak MD, FRCPC, FAAD

Dr. Adam Mamelak is board-certified in dermatology in both the U.S. and Canada. He is a graduate of McGill University in Montreal, Quebec and earned his medical degree at Queen's University in Ontario, Canada. He completed his residency in dermatology at Johns Hopkins University, and received training in Mohs Micrographic Surgery at the Texas Medical Center in Houston. Dr. Mamelak is the founder of the first-ever Mohs Micrographic Surgery practice in Ottawa, Ontario. He is available for interview upon request.

Miriam L. Hanson MD, FAAD

Dr. Miriam Hanson is board-certified in dermatology. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia and earned her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. Dr. Hanson has practiced at some of the top cosmetic and medical dermatology offices in North America. She has worked closely with renowned specialists in skin cancer, contact dermatitis, and cosmetic dermatology, and she has authored or collaborated on several articles for dermatology and medical publications. In addition, Dr. Hanson has been an active participant in a variety of clinical research trials. She is available for interview upon request.