NYC hospital introduces one-visit skin cancer surgery

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue has unveiled its pioneering Mohs micrographic surgery laboratory, offering patients advanced treatment for skin cancer in a single comprehensive visit. This innovative approach to treating basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), the two most prevalent types of skin cancer, promises superior outcomes with reduced scarring and impressive tumor cure rates of up to 99 percent.

Mohs micrographic surgery, renowned as the gold standard for skin cancer treatment, was inaugurated at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue with the ceremonial ribbon-cutting of its state-of-the-art laboratory. Spearheaded by Chief Executive Officer William Hicks, this development marks a significant milestone in delivering high-quality healthcare to all New Yorkers, especially aiding those who are diagnosed later due to skin tone variations.

Dr. Maressa C. Criscito, a distinguished Board-Certified Mohs Micrographic Surgeon at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, emphasized the precision and efficacy of Mohs surgery in providing unparalleled care to patients facing skin cancer diagnoses. This advanced technique enables surgeons to remove cancerous tissue while preserving healthy skin, all within a single appointment.

The hospital invested over $285,000 in establishing this cutting-edge facility, featuring an advanced Olympus BX53 Dual-View Mohs Microscope with Camera, specially designed to facilitate precise tumor removal and expedite patient healing. The Mohs laboratory not only meets rigorous state health standards but also significantly enhances the hospital’s capacity to combat skin cancer effectively.

Recruitment efforts have secured specialized staff, including a histotechnician responsible for sample preservation and a nurse trained in Mohs procedures. Moreover, training initiatives are underway to equip additional nursing staff with the requisite expertise to support this innovative treatment approach.

Patients seeking Mohs micrographic surgery will be referred through the Dermatology Clinic at Bellevue and other affiliated NYC Health + Hospitals facilities. External patients will require referrals from their healthcare providers to access this advanced treatment.

During Mohs surgery, surgeons meticulously remove thin layers of affected tissue, examining each layer under a microscope until only cancer-free tissue remains, all accomplished in a single session under local anesthesia. This streamlined process not only optimizes patient comfort but also enhances cost-effectiveness by conducting all lab work onsite.

The hospital’s commitment to combating skin cancer aligns with national statistics that estimate 1 in 5 Americans will develop this condition by age 70, with more than two deaths occurring hourly due to skin cancer-related complications in the United States alone.

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue’s unwavering dedication to accessible, state-of-the-art healthcare underscores its role as a pioneer in innovative medical solutions, ensuring that patients across New York City have access to world-class cancer care.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, patients can reach out to NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue’s Dermatology Clinic or consult their primary healthcare provider for referral.

This detailed news report highlights the significance of NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue’s introduction of Mohs micrographic surgery, emphasizing its transformative impact on skin cancer treatment and patient care.