Mohs surgery is an innovative surgery that treats skin cancer. This surgery was first developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs in the 1930s from the University of Wisconsin. This surgery is truly remarkable because the surgeon determines where the cancerous cells stop and the noncancerous cells start. Many dermatologists recommend this type of surgery, due to its high success rate and minimally invasive procedure.
When is it recommended?
Mohs surgery is recommended for patients suffering from common types of skin cancer like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This surgery is suggested for aggressive or large cancers or those that appear in an area with very little tissue underneath (eyelids, nose, ears, scalp, genitals, feet, and hands). It may also be recommended if the skin cancer has been treated, but has returned.
Benefits
The best benefit of having Mohs surgery, is to remove cancerous cells from your skin. This surgery is selected due to its high rate of curing skin cancer. This type of surgery also allows the surgeon to retain more healthy skin. The surgeon removes cancerous cells only, which becomes extremely important in thin-skinned areas like eyelids, hands, and ears. The other great part about this surgery is that it is an outpatient surgery. You will be awake during the surgery and get to walk out and go home at the end of the surgery.
What is Mohs Surgery Like?
This surgery is usually performed with the patient awake. The surgeon will inspect the area to be treated and then will get that area surgery ready. This will include an anesthetic to numb the area. Once the numbness is complete, the surgery can commence. The surgeon will start by excising the visible signs of cancer. This skin is placed under the microscope and the surgeon looks for cancerous cells, if they are found then removal of the next layer of skin occurs. Layers of thin skin are removed until there are no cancer cells observed under the microscope. Once the surgery is complete, the surgeon will determine if there is a need for stitches or not. Some wounds will be large and/or deep enough to necessitate a skin graft.
How to Get Prepared for Surgery
Medications – Discuss any medications you may be taking with your doctors. There may be some that you need to discontinue prior to the surgery, especially blood thinners. Also, let your surgeon know about any supplements you may be taking that could interfere with bleeding after surgery.
Schedule for the Day – Make sure to plan for an entire day procedure. The normal processing time for surgery is about four hours. Depending on the depth and severity of the cancer, it could take more time.
Casual Clothes – The clothing you wear should be comfortable as you will be lying awake for a few hours during the surgery. You may also want to dress in layers, since the room temperature varies in many surgical offices.
If you would like any more information about Mohs surgery in Batesville, Arkansas, call Dr. Patrick Hatfield to set up an appointment.