New York, NY – April 16, 2024: NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue today announced that it now offers Mohs micrographic surgery for the treatment of skin cancer. Mohs micrographic surgery is the most effective way to treat basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), the two most common types of skin cancer. The surgery offers less scarring and the highest tumor cure rate, and has a success rate as high as 99 percent. The hospital has built a new Mohs laboratory, including an advanced Olympus BX53 Dual-View Mohs Microscope with Camera, that will allow dermatologic surgeons to remove skin cancer carcinomas in one visit, saving as much healthy tissue as possible and improving patient healing time.
William Hicks, Chief Executive Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, said, “Skin cancer affects people of all colors, and many people with darker skin tones are diagnosed later, making it harder to treat. The availability of Mohs surgery is another vital step in our continuing mission to deliver comprehensive, high quality health care services to every patient, and help our most vulnerable New Yorkers live healthier lives.”
“It is an honor to bring Mohs micrographic surgery to NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue and to offer the gold standard for skin cancer treatment,” said Dr. Maressa C. Criscito, Board-Certified Mohs Micrographic Surgeon, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. “Through this precise and specialized technique, we are able to provide the highest level of care to every patient with a skin cancer diagnosis.”
Trained specialists were recruited to support the new clinic, including a histotechnician, responsible for the freezing and care of samples, and a nurse with prior experience in Mohs. Mohs procedure cross training will be provided to staff nurses.
Patients will be referred through the Dermatology Clinic at Bellevue and other NYC Health + Hospitals facilities. Patients from outside NYC Health + Hospitals will need a referral from their provider.
During Mohs surgery, a surgeon removes thin layers of skin one layer at a time and examines each layer under a microscope while the patient waits. This process continues until only cancer-free tissue remains. The patient is administered a local anesthetic to numb the area and can complete the process in one visit. Mohs surgery is cost-effective as the lab work is done on site, and allows as much healthy tissue as possible to remain.
Hospital staff held a ribbon cutting to dedicate the new Mohs laboratory, which has satisfied New York State Department of Health requirements and received the initial New York State clinical laboratory permit, on March 18, 2024, and began treating patients on March 22, 2024. In addition to the special Olympus BX53 microscope, the new lab includes supportive equipment and lab-specific room renovations such as a ductless workstation and furniture outfitting for a total cost of $285,111.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, and more than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.
