Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the United States. When you are diagnosed with certain types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, your dermatologist may recommend Mohs surgery as a treatment option. This specialized surgical technique removes cancerous tissue layer by layer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, offering high cure rates and minimal scarring. Here is more information about Mohs surgery:
Understanding Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique that treats skin cancer by removing thin layers of tissue one at a time. After each layer is removed, the surgeon examines it under a microscope to check for cancer cells. This process continues until no cancer cells remain, allowing the surgeon to remove all cancerous tissue while sparing healthy skin.
The procedure works differently from traditional excision because it provides immediate microscopic examination of the removed tissue. Your surgeon can map more precisely where cancer cells remain, so subsequent layers are removed only from affected areas. This technique achieves cure rates up to 99% for certain skin cancers while minimizing the size of the surgical wound.
Preparing for Surgery
Before surgery day, inform your doctor about all medications you take. Some blood-thinning medications may need adjustment, though many patients can continue their regular medications. Your surgeon will discuss which medications to continue or stop based on your individual health needs.
Plan to spend a few hours or the whole day at the surgical facility. While each layer removal takes only minutes, laboratory freezing and analysis between layer removals require time. Bringing a book, tablet, or other entertainment may help pass the time between stages.
Removing Cancerous Tissue Layers
On the day of your procedure, the surgical team will clean and prepare the area around your skin cancer. Your surgeon will administer local anesthesia to numb the treatment site, which means you remain awake throughout the procedure. You should feel pressure but no pain during tissue removal.
The surgeon removes the visible tumor along with a thin layer of surrounding tissue. After the first layer is removed, you wait while the tissue undergoes laboratory processing and microscopic examination; if cancer cells appear in the examined tissue, the surgeon removes another layer from the affected area. This process repeats until the examined tissue shows no remaining cancer cells.
Healing After Surgery
Once all cancer is removed, your surgeon will discuss wound closure options with you. Depending on the wound’s size and location, closure methods include:
- Allowing the wound to heal naturally
- Closing the wound with stitches
- Using a skin graft or flap for larger wounds
- Referring you to a plastic surgeon for complex reconstruction
Post-operative care instructions will be provided before you leave. Keep the surgical site clean and dry as directed. You may experience some swelling, bruising, or discomfort around the wound, and this typically resolves within a few weeks.
Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two, though you should avoid strenuous exercise for about two weeks. Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment to check your healing progress and remove any stitches if needed. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness or drainage from the wound, and contact your doctor if these occur.
Learn More About Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is an effective treatment for certain types of skin cancer, and it has high cure rates and improved cosmetic outcomes. The procedure removes cancerous tissue precisely while preserving healthy skin. Most patients tolerate it well with only local anesthesia. If you want to learn more about Mohs surgery, consult a dermatologist near you.
