Understanding Mohs Surgery: A Patient’s Guide
At Apollo Dermatology, we want you to feel informed and comfortable when it comes to your skin health. If you’ve been recommended for Mohs surgery, you might have some questions about what it is, why it’s done, and what to expect. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a special technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer. It’s a highly precise and effective procedure where the surgeon removes the cancer in very thin layers, examining each layer under a microscope until all the cancerous cells are gone. This method allows us to remove as little healthy skin as possible while ensuring we get all the cancer cells.
Why Mohs Surgery?
This procedure is often recommended for skin cancers on sensitive areas, like the face, ears, or hands, where preserving as much healthy tissue as possible is important for both function and appearance. Mohs surgery is particularly effective for:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Skin cancers that have come back after other treatments
- Skin cancers in hard-to-treat areas
Mohs surgery has a very high cure rate—up to 99% for some cancers—making it one of the best options for removing skin cancer.
What to Expect During the Procedure
- Local Anesthesia:You’ll be awake during the procedure, but we’ll numb the area, so you won’t feel any pain.
- Layer-by-Layer Removal:The surgeon removes a very thin layer of skin from the cancer site and checks it under a microscope right away. If there are cancer cells, another layer is removed, and the process is repeated until no cancer cells remain.
- Same-Day Results:Mohs surgery is done in stages, and the results are immediate. You don’t have to wait days for lab results, so we can be sure all the cancer is gone before the procedure is over.
After the Procedure
Since Mohs surgery removes as little healthy skin as possible, the area where the cancer was removed is often smaller than with other methods. However, there will still be a wound that needs to heal. Depending on the size, your surgeon may close it with stitches or let it heal naturally. In some cases, a skin graft may be necessary.
Most patients are able to go home the same day. Some swelling, redness, or tenderness is normal and should improve within a few days.
Why Choose Mohs Surgery?
- Precise Removal: Only the cancerous tissue is removed, leaving healthy skin intact.
- High Success Rate: Mohs has the highest cure rate for many types of skin cancer.
- Minimal Scarring: Since less healthy skin is taken, the cosmetic outcome is often better.
Conclusion
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, Mohs surgery might be your best option for complete removal with minimal impact on healthy skin. At Apollo Dermatology, our skilled team is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring the best care for your skin and your health.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, feel free to reach out to our office online or call us at 248-436-4888. Your skin’s health is our priority, and we’re here to help!
