Mohs surgery is often the best treatment option for skin cancer and has a very high success rate. It’s considered one of the most effective and safest treatments, with a higher cure rate than other methods. But what exactly is Mohs surgery? Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about this advanced treatment option.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is the most effective treatment used for treating skin cancer. It’s a precise method that removes the tumor layer-by-layer until all cancerous cells have been removed from the affected area. The Mohs surgery technique allows your doctor to remove only affected tissue while leaving healthy tissue behind, resulting in a smaller scar and faster recovery than traditional procedures. It can take anywhere from two hours to several hours, depending on the size of your tumor and its location.
Who Is a Candidate for Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is typically recommended for those with skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma near sensitive areas like eyes, ears, nose, lips, scalp, hands, feet, or genitals. It’s also recommended for those with recurrent skin cancers or large or overgrowing tumors. Your doctor may also recommend this procedure if other treatments, such as radiation therapy, haven’t successfully treated your cancer.
What Happens During Mohs Surgery?
Your doctor will begin by numbing the area around your tumor with local anesthesia before removing it layer-by-layer using a scalpel or scissors. After each layer is removed, your doctor or dermatologist will examine it under a microscope to check for any remaining cancer cells that may not be visible to the naked eye. If cancer cells are still present, another layer will be removed until they are gone. Once all the affected tissue has been removed, stitches may be needed to close up the wound left behind by the tumor removal process.
Benefits Of Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is a specialized procedure to treat various forms of skin cancer, offering many advantages over traditional methods. Mohs eliminates visible cancer while protecting healthy tissue and is more precise than other treatments. It can sometimes miss the remaining cancer cells that Mohs can identify and remove. The Mohs process takes place in stages, removing only thin layers of tissue at a time until all cancer has been eliminated. This minimally-invasive technique boasts excellent success rates in treating some of the most common types of skin cancer. This makes it an increasingly popular choice for patients seeking treatment for their conditions. With Mohs’ low rate of tissue removal, high cure rates, and quick healing times, it’s no wonder more people are choosing Mohs surgery.
Conclusion
All in all, Mohs Surgery is an effective treatment for skin cancer that involves the removal of thin layers one by one. It has many advantages because it preserves healthy tissue, provides for better aesthetic outcomes, and has a higher remission rate than alternative surgical treatments. It can often be done in a single visit but may require up to three. The cost varies depending on the complexity of the area being treated and insurance coverage. Recovery time also varies depending on the size and depth of tissue removed.
Still, it generally ranges from one week to several weeks. Although it may sound daunting at first, Mohs Surgery is nothing to fear with accurate information, preparation, and medical attention. So make sure you do your research before committing to such a procedure. If you are considering Mohs surgery or have questions about skin cancer, don’t hesitate to contact your dermatologist or healthcare provider. They can help guide you through everything you need about Mohs surgery.
FAQS
1) What happens after Mohs’s surgery?
A: After your doctor removes all the affected tissue during your procedure, they will discuss postoperative care options, such as wound care instructions and follow-up appointments with your dermatologist or primary care physician.
2) Is Mohs surgery painful?
A: Because local anesthesia is used before beginning any cutting, most patients don’t experience pain during their procedure. However, this will vary significantly from person to person depending on their tolerance levels and comfort levels when undergoing medical procedures like these.
3) How long does it take for the results from Mohs surgery to show up?
A: Mohs surgery results generally take 2-4 days after completion of your procedure. However, some cases may take longer depending on factors such as tumor size and location being treated.