Could Mohs Surgery Be the Answer to Skin Cancer?
Could Mohs Surgery Be the Answer to Skin Cancer?
Why It Matters
Mohs surgery is a specialized surgical technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This procedure aims to remove cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Contents
- What is Mohs Surgery?
- Who Can Benefit from Mohs Surgery?
- What to Expect During the Procedure
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. It involves removing the cancerous tissue layer by layer and examining each layer under a microscope until no more cancer cells are detected. This technique ensures that all cancerous cells are removed while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Who Can Benefit from Mohs Surgery?
This procedure is particularly beneficial for skin cancers located in areas where preserving cosmetic appearance and function is important, such as the face. It's also ideal for cancers with a high risk of recurrence or those that have already recurred after initial treatment.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Mohs surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Patients can expect to spend several hours at the clinic as the surgeon removes and examines each layer of tissue. Once clear margins are achieved, the wound is closed, and patients are given post-operative care instructions.
FAQs
What is Mohs surgery?
It's a precise surgical technique for treating skin cancer.
Who should consider Mohs surgery?
Those with skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas or high-risk cases.
What happens during Mohs surgery?
Cancerous tissue is removed layer by layer, examined microscopically.
The Bottom Line
Mohs surgery offers an effective way to treat skin cancer while preserving healthy tissue.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.