How does Mohs Surgery Work?
Skin Cancer Care Specialists | August 25, 2022
What is Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery?
Mohs surgery is one of the most specialized and effective skin cancer treatments. Developed in the 1940s by Dr. Frederic Mohs of the University of Wisconsin, Mohs Surgery is designed to completely remove an occurrence of skin cancer. The technique works best when the cancer cannot be defined easily, returns after being treated and/or affects a sensitive area (like the face), preserving as much normal skin as possible. Mohs microscopic tumor detection offers the highest probability of complete cancer removal while also preserving surrounding tissues.
How Mohs Surgery Works
The objective of Mohs surgery is to completely remove tumors, minimize surgical wound size and optimize aesthetics of surgical reconstruction. Mohs Micrographic Surgery involves two major steps:
1. Surgical Removal. The first step involves surgically excising a thin layer of tissue.
2. Tissue Processing. The tissue gets processed and examined microscopically to determine if there is any tumor present. If remaining tumor is found, more tissue is removed, the examination is repeated until no tumor is detected.
What to Know before Surgery
When you meet with Dr. Weisberg in a pre-operative consultation, he will evaluate your medical history, your skin cancer pathology and review your treatment options.
Before surgery:
–Shower/Bathe the Night beforehand. You’ll want to wash your hair the night before surgery,
as you may need to keep your wound/dressing dry for 48 hours or longer after your
procedure.
– Sleep. Get a good night’s rest the night before your surgery.
– Eat Breakfast. Go ahead and eat a normal breakfast unless you’ve been instructed otherwise.
–Take Medications. Whatever normal medications you take, you’ll likely still take them before your Mohs Surgery. Unless you receive different instructions at your consultation, you can go
ahead and keep taking them.
On the day of your surgery, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. If your operative area will be on your face, don’t wear makeup or lotions.
What to Know after Surgery
In the weeks after surgery, your wound will need care. You will receive detailed written wound care instructions. Expect to wear a bandage and possibly have some swelling and bruising for the first few days after surgery. Avoid any strenuous activity or sports. Depending on the surgical site sutures are removed one to four weeks after surgery. You may have some minimal pain, a sensation of tightness, itchiness or numbness in the treated area, this is normal.
Would you like to know if Mohs surgery is the right treatment option for you? To set up a consultation with Dr. Noah Weisberg, please call 561-775-6011 and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you.
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