Have you ever heard of Mohs surgery? If not, don’t worry! This surgical technique is a highly effective and precise way of removing skin cancer. Also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, this procedure has been gaining popularity over the years due to its high success rate in curing skin cancer. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Mohs micrographic surgery process and what patients can expect before, during, and after their procedure. So if you or someone you know is scheduled for Mohs surgery soon or just curious about it – keep reading!
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery, also known as micrographic surgery, is a specialized surgical technique used for the treatment of skin cancer. The process involves removing thin layers of cancerous tissue until healthy tissue is reached. This ensures that all cancer cells are removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
The technique was developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs in the 1930s and has since become one of the most effective treatments for skin cancer. Mohs surgery is particularly useful in treating basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, two common types of skin cancer.
One of the biggest advantages of Mohs surgery over other methods is its high cure rate – up to 99%. It’s also ideal for treating cancers that have recurred or are located in areas where it’s essential to preserve surrounding tissues such as eyelids or ears.
During the procedure, patients remain awake under local anesthesia while their surgeon removes a thin layer at a time and examines each piece under a microscope before continuing with subsequent removal steps if necessary.
Mohs surgery has revolutionized skin cancer treatment by providing an efficient way to remove tumors while minimizing damage to healthy surrounding tissue.
Anatomy of the Skin
The anatomy of the skin is important to understand when discussing Mohs surgery. The skin is the largest organ in our bodies and has three layers: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.
The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and provides a barrier against bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. It also contains melanocytes that produce pigment called melanin which gives our skin its color.
Beneath the epidermis lies the dermis, which contains blood vessels, hair follicles, sweat glands, nerve endings, and collagen fibers that give structure to our skin. This layer plays an essential role in wound healing as it helps repair damaged tissue by producing new cells.
Finally comes subcutaneous tissue or hypodermis which acts as insulation for your body while also storing fat for energy purposes. Blood vessels present here are responsible for providing nutrients to both dermal and epidermal layers.
Understanding this basic anatomy of your skin can help you appreciate how intricate your biology actually is!
Types of Mohs Surgery
When it comes to Mohs surgery, there are three main types: standard, slow, and fast. The type of surgery you receive will depend on the location and size of the skin cancer being removed.
Standard Mohs surgery involves removing one layer of tissue at a time and then examining it under a microscope for cancer cells. This process is repeated until no more cancer cells are found. Slow Mohs surgery follows the same process as standard but takes longer because each layer is frozen before the examination.
Fast Mohs surgery uses a technique called immunohistochemistry to speed up the testing process by highlighting areas that have cancer cells present. This allows for multiple layers to be examined all at once, which can save time during the procedure.
Your dermatologist or surgeon will decide which type of Mohs surgery is best suited for your individual case based on factors such as your skin type, tumor location and size, medical history, and other health conditions.
Regardless of which type of Mohs surgery you undergo, your healthcare provider should discuss with you in detail what to expect before, during, and after the procedure so that you feel comfortable throughout the entire experience.
Procedure
The Mohs micrographic surgery procedure is a meticulous and precise surgical technique used to remove skin cancer tumors. The process involves the removal of thin layers of tissue, which are examined under a microscope until all cancerous cells have been removed.
Before the procedure begins, local anesthesia is administered to numb the area surrounding the tumor. Once you are comfortable, your surgeon will begin removing small sections of tissue following a predetermined map that outlines where each layer should be taken.
Each layer that is removed takes around an hour to examine. If any remaining cancer cells are discovered in the sample, another layer of tissue will be removed from that exact spot before being re-examined under a microscope for signs of malignancy.
This process continues until all traces of cancer have been entirely eradicated and only healthy tissues remain at the treatment site. The number of layers required depends on multiple factors such as location and size; therefore, it’s difficult to predict how many rounds may occur during your particular procedure.
While this process can take several hours or even an entire day depending on complexity; its precision ensures very high cure rates when compared to other procedures available today for skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Recovery
Once the Mohs surgery is complete, a sterile dressing will be applied to the wound. You may experience some discomfort and pain in the first few days after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
It is important to keep the dressing clean and dry during your recovery period. Avoid getting it wet or exposing it to excessive moisture as this can cause infection.
You may also notice some swelling and bruising around the surgical site which should subside within a few weeks. It is important not to scratch or pick at any scabs that form on the wound as this can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.
It’s crucial that you follow your surgeon’s instructions for cleaning and changing dressings, taking medications, and avoiding activities such as strenuous exercise until you are fully healed.
Remember that every patient heals differently so do not compare yourself with others who have undergone Mohs surgery. Be patient with your body’s natural healing process and take care of yourself during recovery time.
Aftercare
Aftercare is an essential aspect of the Mohs surgery process. Once you have undergone the procedure, it is crucial to take care of your wound properly to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
Firstly, it’s important to keep your wound clean and dry. Your doctor will provide instructions on how often you should change your dressings and how to clean the area around the incision site. It’s vital not to get water or any other liquid on your wound until after it has healed.
You should also avoid strenuous activities that may put pressure on or stretch the incision area. This includes lifting heavy objects, bending over frequently, and doing high-intensity exercises.
To aid in recovery, you can use ice packs wrapped in a cloth to reduce the swelling near the surgical site for minutes at a time every few hours during the first day after surgery.
Moreover, make sure you follow all medication guidelines given by your surgeon; do not stop taking prescribed medications without consulting with them first. Also, inform them if there are any signs of infection such as redness or fever.
Always attend scheduled follow-up appointments so that your progress can be monitored closely by medical professionals who can notify you about any abnormalities they find during routine check-ups.
Mohs micrographic surgery is an effective and precise technique for the treatment of skin cancer. Patients can expect a high cure rate with minimal scarring and tissue removal. The procedure may take longer than other types of skin cancer treatments but provides a more accurate result, making it worth the extra time investment.
It’s important to understand that each patient’s experience with Mohs surgery may differ depending on their specific case, type of skin cancer, and location. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or surgeon who specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery to determine if this procedure is right for you.
Remember that early detection is crucial when it comes to treating skin cancer effectively. So be sure to schedule regular check-ups with your dermatologist and take necessary precautions such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing when spending time outdoors.
We hope this article has provided valuable insights into what patients can expect during the Mohs micrographic surgery process. If you have any questions or concerns about this procedure or other types of skin cancer treatments, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and support.