National Healthy Skin Month: What is Mohs Surgery?
- Posted on: Nov 15 2022
November is National Healthy Skin Month! This holiday is the perfect time to discuss Mohs surgery.
Mohs surgery is a type of skin cancer treatment that involves removing cancerous tissue one layer at a time. The surgeon will remove the outer layer of the skin and then examine it under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
Upon finding cancer cells, the surgeon will remove another layer of skin and repeat the process until all of the cancerous tissue has been removed. Find out more by reading on.
Who Needs Mohs Surgery?
Cancer type and location, tumor size, and the patient’s health can all contribute to the need for Mohs surgery.
Is Mohs Surgery Right for Me?
You may be a good candidate for Mohs Micrographic surgery if you have basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or other skin cancers in a sensitive area.
How is Mohs Surgery Performed?
Mohs surgery takes place under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient does not need to stay in the hospital overnight. A typical surgery lasts several hours.
What Are the Benefits of Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery has the highest cure and lowest skin cancer recurrence rates. Aside from reducing scars, it is also more comfortable to get performed. Furthermore, it is a cost-effective option.
What to Avoid Before & After Mohs Surgery
For two weeks before surgery and two days after surgery, please abstain from taking the following drugs (unless prescribed):
- Aspirin, or medications that contain aspirin (e.g., Alka-Seltzer, Excedrin)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
Smoking hinders wound healing; therefore, smokers should refrain from smoking two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. You should avoid drinking alcohol during and after surgery to prevent increased blood pressure and bleeding.
You should avoid some things after Mohs surgery, such as sun exposure, tanning beds, and waxing. These things can increase your risk of infection and bleeding.
How Effective is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is considered to be the most effective treatment for skin cancer. It has a high success rate and can be used to treat skin cancer that has returned after other treatments have been unsuccessful.
Does Mohs Surgery Have Any Risks?
Mohs surgery carries some risks, such as infection, bleeding, and scarring. However, these risks are typically low.
Contact the American Society for Mohs Surgery at 714-379-6262 if you would like to schedule a consultation.
Posted in: MOHS Surgery
