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@jc76

@delia2250yahoocom
At Mayo Clinic Jacksonville most of our dermatologists are trained as surgeons. Only a couple area trained to do MOHS surgeries.

I am going to comment on MOHS as I have had around 10 of them. MOHS requires a specially trained surgeon. The procedure happens after a biopsy reveals skin cancer. The surgeon removes the known area of cancer and then margins to make sure it gets all cancer. The removed tissues go to pathology to determine if the margins are clear of any sign of cancer.

If margins are clear surgery is over, and surgeon will come back and close area with either stitches or pressure bandages. All mine got pressure bandage. If the pathology review shows and sign of cancer is left the surgeon will return and take more tissues and the same pathology review goes on until the areas around your skin cancer are clear of any skin cancer.

If you had had this type surgery you would not be coming back for more surgery as you can see. It is why I prefer MOHS. What I see from your post is your dermatologist may not be an experienced and trained surgeon. I would seek out one that is and go over all the types of treatments that can be done for skin cancer.

If you don't do anything per your question what my dermatologist tell me that most skin cancers (not all now) are slow growing and low incidence (not all including melanoma) of metastasis. However, BCC, SCC, will continue to grow and grow and can grow into bones, muscles, etc. which requires more in depth and serious surgery.

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Replies to "@delia2250yahoocom At Mayo Clinic Jacksonville most of our dermatologists are trained as surgeons. Only a couple..."

Thank you. That was very helpful. Living in a small rural area has its drawbacks. Quality medical resources are almost nil. My dermatologist has never done a whole body exam. I have these things all over my back too. My white blood cell count has been elevated for over a year. I only know this because I read the reports on my portal. They never address that area so I guess it has to get higher than it is to get attention.
I have a Rheumatologist appointment in Springfield today for my PMR. She is trying to get me off of prednisone.
Thank you again for your advice!