Mohs surgery is a specialized procedure used to treat certain types of skin conditions. It focuses on carefully removing affected tissue while minimizing impact on healthy areas. This article provides an overview of the process, its uses, and what to expect throughout the procedure.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a precise technique to treat skin cancer. It removes skin cancer layer by layer while conserving healthy skin. Each layer is examined under a microscope using a detailed tumor map. By using this approach, all cancerous cells are eliminated before the procedure ends.
The technique is both accurate and efficient. It has a high success rate, making it a trusted option for patients with skin cancer. By focusing on the affected tissue only, Mohs surgery minimizes unnecessary removal of healthy skin.
What Types of Skin Cancer Does It Treat?
Mohs procedure is primarily used to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). It is also effective for treating melanoma. Other than these three most common types of skin cancer, it can also be used to treat most other types of skin cancer.
Doctors recommend this procedure for cancers in sensitive areas like the head, neck, hands, and feet. This procedure is particularly suited for tumors that are large and show aggressive pathology. It is also ideal for cases where the cancer is recurring after previous treatment or for individuals with a suppressed immune system due to conditions like organ transplants or lymphoma.
What Is It Like To Have Mohs Surgery?
Patients undergo Mohs surgery as an outpatient procedure. It begins with the application of a local anesthetic to numb the area. The surgeon then removes a thin layer of skin and examines it under a microscope. If cancerous cells are detected, another layer is removed, and the process is repeated.
This continues until no cancerous cells remain. Once the skin cancer is cleared, they will close or bandage the wound, depending on the extent of the removal. Patients can expect mild soreness or swelling after the procedure. Most return to their normal activities within a few days.
While Mohs procedure is renowned for its precision and minimal invasiveness, there are cases where reconstruction may be necessary following the procedure. If the removal of cancer affects a larger area or involves delicate facial features such as the nose, eyelids, or lips, reconstructive surgery might be recommended to restore the appearance and functionality of the skin.
Reconstruction can vary from simple sutures to more involved techniques like skin grafts or local skin flaps, depending on the size, depth, and location of the excised area. Specialists often work closely with patients to achieve optimal cosmetic and functional results, ensuring a tailored approach to healing. The collaborative efforts of dermatologists and reconstructive surgeons aim to preserve both the health and confidence of the patient.
See a Specialist Today
Mohs surgery offers an effective, tissue-sparing way to treat skin cancer. It boasts an exceptionally high success rate and is versatile in treating different skin cancers. If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer or want to learn more about this technique, speak to a dermatologist trained in this procedure. Taking the first step toward treatment can make all the difference.
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