Mohs Surgery is a Proven Cancer Treatment

Mohs surgery is a common type of skin cancer treatment. Typically, during skin cancer surgery, the surgeon removes the cancerous tissue, as well as some healthy tissue where cancer cells may be present. During Mohs surgery, each precise, microscopically controlled layer of tissue is removed, then frozen, dyed, and carefully examined for cancer cells while the patient waits.

 

The examination used in Mohs surgery helps the surgeon determine whether additional tissue needs to be removed. Mohs surgery enables the surgeon to remove the cancerous tissue while minimizing removal of healthy tissue. By mostly removing only cancerous tissue, Mohs surgery spares healthy skin and results in a high cure rate. One-part treatment and one-part diagnostic tool, Mohs surgery is an often-recommended treatment for certain types of skin cancer, including basal and squamous cell carcinoma.

 

What to Expect from Mohs Surgery

Prior to your Mohs Surgery treatment, your doctor will take note of any existing health conditions. During the procedure, patients should not expect to experience an extreme pain. Typically, local anesthesia is injected into the treatment area. Once the anesthesia takes effect, patients may feel some pressure while the surgeon works.

This procedure can take several hours. This is due, in part, to the needing to wait for tissue to be processed and examined. Each layer of tissue can take an hour or two to examine, so we recommend bringing a book, magazine, or work to keep you occupied in between rounds. Because patients will have several hours of downtime during procedure, discomfort is both limited and sporadic, making Mohs surgery a very easy treatment. Recovery time varies depending on the location and size of the cancer, as well as the amount of reconstruction performed.

Patients often experience tenderness, swelling and bruising following the procedure. A bandage may be required for up to 7 days, and some wound care may be necessary for 2-3 weeks. Additionally, patients worried about scars and cosmetic changes can rest assured that this procedure rarely leaves a noticeable scar.

Download more information on Mohs Surgery (Infographic).

Best-in-Class Skin Cancer Treatments

Your skin is too important to leave to chance, especially when it comes to skin cancer and reconstruction. Unlike most skin care clinics, we conduct our own research internally to ensure the products and services we provide have been scientifically proven to improve the health and appearance of your skin.

Dr. Adam Schmitt is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon. He is specially trained to perform Mohs micrographic surgery for both common and rare skin cancers and has undergone extensive training in advanced surgical reconstruction. Dr. Schmitt is currently accepting both clinical and surgical patients at the Plymouth location.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

*Results may vary per patient. Services vary by location.