Question

Which of the following would NOT be a good reason to do a Moh's surgery?

a) if the lesion is in an area with not much tissue or that is small
b) because the dermatologist wants $$
c) recurrent previously treated basal cell carcinoma
d) cosmesis

Answer 1

A good reason for not performing Mohs surgery is financial gain for the dermatologist. Mohs surgery is justified in cases like small or critical location lesions, recurrent basal cell carcinoma, or for cosmetic purposes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the Mohs surgery, which is a procedure used to treat skin cancer. The correct decision to perform a Mohs surgery is based on clinical indications, rather than financial motives of healthcare providers. Therefore, a good reason for Mohs surgery would NOT be 'because the dermatologist wants $$'. Factors to consider for Mohs surgery include the type of skin cancer, size, location, and likelihood of cosmetic prominence after the procedure. Criteria that do justify Mohs surgery include cases where the lesion is in an area with little tissue or that is small, if it is a recurrent previously treated basal cell carcinoma, or for cosmetic reasons – when the goal is to minimize scarring or disfigurement, which is referred to as cosmesis.