What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs Surgery is regarded as one of the most effective options in treating skin cancer. As skin cancer continues to become a more common problem, Mohs surgery is becoming more readily available. Many dermatologist offices are prepared to perform the Mohs procedure in-office in an out-patient procedure. This is a form of micrographic surgery that calls for the systematic removal of skin cells from the body in an effort to rid the body of any instance of cancerous tissue.

While undergoing any surgical procedure can be stressful, the routine nature of the Mohs procedure ought to be a comfort to anyone who is found to have skin cancer. After all, the removal and ultimate treatment of the skin cancer needs to be the utmost priority, and the Mohs procedure is considered one of the best available avenues to support that initiative.

What to Expect

During the Mohs procedure, thin layers of cancer-containing skin are removed from the body. Skin cells are removed progressively and are thoroughly examined so that only cancer-containing skin tissue is removed, and cancer-free tissue remains.

Prior to the procedure, you will be given a local anesthesia at the surgical site. While you have the option to remain awake for the procedure, you will not feel any pain or discomfort as the cancer is removed from your body. Once the area is numb, your surgeon will remove the visible signs of the tumor as well as a thin layer of the surrounding tissue as a safeguard to ensure that all of the cancer has been removed.

The removed tissue will be biopsied and your surgeon will be able to determine if any more tissue needs to be removed from the body. If it is found that cancerous cells are still present following the Mohs procedure, then your surgeon can address that concern in a simple follow-up procedure.

In most situations, the Mohs procedure is used to remove a small amount of skin tissue. In these cases, the surgical site is bound and you will be given instructions for basic wound care. While rare, the Mohs procedure can also be used to remove more significant areas of skin cancer. In these cases, grafting may be necessary to repair the damaged skin tissue, and this is typically done at the same time as the original tumor removal.

Typically, cancerous cells can be entirely removed from the body in one to three stages. For more information about the Mohs procedure, or to find out if your dermatologist thinks that the Mohs procedure is the best method for addressing your skin cancer needs, contact us. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 770-251-5111 today.