Mohs skin cancer surgery removes cancerous tissue one layer at a time. Each layer is examined under a microscope, and the process continues until no cancer remains. The method targets cancer while preserving healthy skin, and it has a 99% success rate for nonmelanoma skin cancers.
Understanding Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery
Mohs skin cancer surgery treats several types of skin cancer. It is commonly used for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and it can treat some other skin cancers. The procedure works well for cancers that have returned or have a high risk of returning. It can also help treat tumors that have unclear edges, since the surgeon examines each layer during the procedure. Large or fast-growing tumors may also benefit from this approach.
Mohs surgery also suits tumors in areas where tissue preservation matters. These areas include the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands, feet and genitals. The technique removes cancerous tissue while limiting the removal of healthy tissue around the tumor. This approach can help preserve more tissue in areas where removing too much skin could affect appearance or function. The surgeon evaluates the tumor and its location when determining whether Mohs surgery is appropriate.
Preparing for the Procedure
Preparation begins before surgery. Patients tell the surgeon about their medicines and supplements, and some blood-thinning medicines may need to be stopped before surgery. The surgeon provides instructions about which medicines to stop, while other medicines may continue as prescribed. Patients should also follow instructions about eating and drinking before the procedure, and Vivida recommends avoiding alcohol the day before surgery. Most Mohs procedures take less than four hours, although the time varies because each tissue sample must be examined before the surgeon decides whether another layer is needed.
Undergoing the Surgical Process
Local anesthetic numbs the treatment area. The surgeon removes the visible cancer and a thin layer of tissue around and beneath it, and the sample is then examined under a microscope. A map tracks where each tissue section came from, so the surgeon knows where additional cancer remains if it appears in a sample. If cancer remains, another layer is removed from the affected area. The process continues until the tissue is cancer-free, and most patients go home after the procedure. The wound may be repaired with stitches, allowed to heal naturally or closed with a skin graft when needed.
Managing Risks and Recovery
Every surgery carries risks. Bleeding, pain and infection can occur, while numbness, weakness, shooting pain and scarring are less common. The treated area may swell and become red after surgery, and most patients return to their usual activities within a few days. Patients should keep the surgical site clean, follow wound-care instructions and use prescribed ointments when directed. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least one week, while follow-up visits can help the care team check the healing process.
Schedule a Mohs Consultation
Mohs skin cancer surgery provides tissue analysis during the procedure. The surgeon examines each layer, and the operation continues when cancer remains in a sample. This approach removes cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, and most patients leave after the procedure is complete. A consultation allows the surgeon to evaluate the skin cancer and determine whether Mohs surgery fits the treatment plan.
