Mohs Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery has the highest cure rate for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma & is considered the gold standard of care for skin cancer that requires tissue-sparing surgery.

 Procedure

The goal of Mohs surgery is to remove the entire cancerous area. To ensure all cancer is removed, Mohs surgery is performed in stages.

  • The Mohs surgeon anesthetizes the area and surgically removes the visible tumor.
  • The skin specimen is divided into sections and mapped to the surgical site.
  • After the lab processes the tissue, the Mohs surgeon microscopically examines its entire undersurface and edges.
  • If cancer cells remain, the affected tissue will be precisely removed from the surgical site. Multiple stages may be required to remove the cancer roots completely.
  • When there is no evidence of residual cancer, the Mohs surgeon will discuss options for reconstruction of the surgical defect.
surgeons in surgery

Post-Surgery

  • To minimize discomfort, taking acetaminophen every four hours is recommended.
  • Avoid aspirin-containing medications or NSAID.
  • Rarely does significant bleeding occur following surgery, however if it should happen, apply firm, continuous pressure for 20 minutes.
  • Swelling is common following surgery.
  • If wounds become infected, an oral antibiotic will be necessary.

 

 

doctors setting up for surgery
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