Mohs micrographic surgery is perhaps the most accurate and successful treatment for some forms of skin cancer. With cure rates of up to 99% for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, this operation is now the gold standard for eradicating cancerous tissue while leaving as much healthy skin intact as possible. If you’ve just been booked for Mohs Surgery, you might be feeling a sense of relief along with some anxiety. Getting prepared in advance will alleviate your stress and ensure that your experience is a smooth one.
What Is Mohs Surgery and Why Is It Done?
Mohs Surgery is an outpatient technique used to diagnose and treat some forms of skin cancer. It is performed by progressively removing thin layers of skin one at a time and examining them immediately with a microscope. This process is repeated until cancer is no longer identified. Unlike excision surgery, Mohs enables the surgeon to inspect 100% of tissue margins and remove all cancerous tissue with little harm to remaining healthy tissue.
This technique is especially valuable for cancers that arise in cosmetically sensitive sites like the face, nose, ears, lips, or eyelids, where tissue conservation and cosmetic results are paramount. It is also used for recurrent tumours or malignant tumours.
How Do I Prepare for Mohs Surgery?
- Consultation and Medical Review
Before undergoing the procedure, your surgeon or dermatologist will discuss your history, including your current medications, allergies, and pre-existing conditions. Make sure to tell them everything, particularly if you are on blood thinners, aspirin, or supplements that may impact bleeding.
- Stopping Medications if Necessary
Your doctor may recommend pausing certain medications before surgery. Never stop a prescribed medication without your physician’s approval, but do follow all instructions carefully. This step can help minimize bleeding risks during the procedure.
- Plan for Comfort on the Day of Surgery
Mohs Surgery takes place using local anesthesia so that you will be awake but not uncomfortable. The whole procedure may take many hours as each layer of the tissue has to be examined before proceeding. Dress in loose clothing and bring a book, headphones, or something to entertain you while waiting.
- Plan Transportation if Necessary
While some patients can drive themselves home afterwards, others might rather have someone there with them, primarily if the area operated on is around the eyes or the sedation is administered. Pre-planning eliminates all stress.
- Eat Normally Unless Otherwise Told
Other than some surgery, fasting is not a necessity for Mohs Surgery. Having an ordinary meal beforehand can help ensure your energy remains level during the procedure.
What to Expect Throughout the Procedure
On the surgical day, a local anesthetic will numb the area. The surgeon cuts out the visible tumor and a narrow border of tissue around it. Each tissue layer is processed right away and evaluated under a microscope. When cancer cells are still present, another layer is removed exactly where cancer is found. The process is repeated until cancer cells are no longer found.
Since this technique preserves healthy tissue, the treatment leaves less scarring and shorter recovery periods than standard excisions.
Recovery and Aftercare Advice
The majority of patients have only minimal discomfort following Mohs Surgery. Some valuable tips for aftercare are as follows:
- Adhere to Wound Care Instructions: Keep the treatment area clean, use the prescribed ointment, and change dressings as instructed.
- Control Swelling: Apply a cold compress over the first 24–48 hours to minimize swelling and bruising.
- Limit Strenuous Activity: Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a couple of days to prevent bleeding.
- Watch for Warning Signs: Call your doctor in case you see excessive bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection.
Recovery time depends on the size and site of the excision, but most patients recover to regular activity within one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions on Mohs Surgery
How long does Mohs Surgery last?
It may require a few hours as tissue layers are examined on the spot in real time. Patience is required, but the precision is worth it.
Will Mohs Surgery cause scarring?
Scarring is unavoidable, but the procedure reduces the amount of tissue that has to be removed, resulting in more minor, less conspicuous scars.
Is Mohs Surgery painful?
Patients will feel little pain during the procedure thanks to local anesthesia. A minor soreness afterward can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication.
Who might benefit from Mohs Surgery?
It’s usually used for in-going or recurrent cancers, cancers located in sensitive sites, or tumors with indistinct margins.
Mohs Surgery and Other Skin Conditions
Although Mohs is primarily used for skin cancer treatment, understanding other skin conditions is also crucial. Some non-cancerous conditions, like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or prolonged rashes, might look like early cancer signs under certain circumstances. That is why regular check-ups with dermatologists are crucial. Early recognition and proper diagnosis help ensure that dangerous cases are dealt with immediately, while benign conditions receive the proper treatment.
Conclusion
Mohs Surgery is a very safe, highly successful, and tissue-conserving method that provides patients with skin cancer diagnosed with certain forms of skin cancer peace of mind. Being prepared in advance, adhering to the doctor’s orders, setting up comfort measures, and knowing what to expect can facilitate a less stressful and smoother process.
If you’ve been recommended for Mohs Surgery, take the time to ask questions, follow your doctor’s guidance, and stay informed. With success rates up to 99%, this procedure not only removes cancer effectively but also helps preserve your skin’s health and appearance.
