At PromiseCare Medical Group in Hemet, California, Mohs surgery is a recommended treatment for skin cancer, offering high cure rates of up to 99% for certain types of skin cancer.
This precise, step-by-step procedure involves meticulously removing cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Patients remain awake and comfortable throughout the surgery, thanks to local anesthesia, and receive immediate feedback on the cancer margins.
Patients should understand what to expect, risks, and post-operative care to ensure a smooth recovery.
Understanding the Mohs surgery process and recovery is essential for patients to make informed decisions about their treatment. By knowing what to expect, patients can better prepare themselves for the procedure and post-operative care, ultimately contributing to a successful outcome.
Overview
Mohs surgery’s high cure rates of up to 99% for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, two common forms of skin cancer, can be attributed to the procedure’s meticulous approach. The treatment targets and removes cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Local anesthesia is typically administered in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to remain awake and alert throughout the procedure. This minimizes recovery time, enabling patients to quickly return to their daily routine.
The surgeon carefully removes cancerous skin layers, examining each layer under a microscope to verify the removal of all cancer cells before proceeding. This step-by-step approach sets Mohs surgery apart, making it a highly effective treatment for high-risk skin cancers.
Mohs surgery prioritizes effectiveness and patient well-being, providing a treatment option to remove cancerous cells while preserving healthy tissue.
Types
Two of the most common skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), account for the majority of Mohs surgery cases. Mohs surgery is a highly effective treatment option for these diagnoses, particularly for high-risk skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, neck, or ears.
Mohs surgery can also be used to treat other types of skin cancer, including certain melanomas, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, microcystic adnexal carcinoma, sebaceous carcinoma, and extramammary Paget disease.
For aggressive tumors with indistinct edges or those that have recurred after previous treatments, Mohs surgery offers a promising solution. The technique allows for complete evaluation of the cancer margins, ensuring that 100% of the tissue is assessed, significantly reducing the risk of recurrence.
This thorough tissue evaluation assures that skin cancer is being thoroughly treated. By choosing Mohs surgery, individuals can take a proactive step towards minimizing the recurrence risk and preserving their skin’s health.
Why it’s done
Understanding the purpose of Mohs surgery is key to making an informed decision about skin cancer treatment.
Mohs surgery is typically considered for skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, mainly when they occur in sensitive areas like the face and neck.
This surgery is often recommended for large or aggressive tumors, cancers with a high risk of recurrence, or those that haven’t responded to previous treatments.
During the procedure, a local anesthetic is used to numb the surgical area, and the cancerous tissue is carefully removed while preserving as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible.
This approach is essential for achieving the best cosmetic and functional outcomes.
Mohs surgery is considered an effective treatment for skin cancer, with high cure rates reported for certain types.
Who it’s for
Mohs surgery is a treatment option for individuals diagnosed with large, aggressive, or recurrent basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), particularly in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face or neck.
This procedure benefits high-risk skin cancers, offering cure rates exceeding 99% for certain types. Individuals who’ve had skin cancer before or have multiple lesions are also candidates for Mohs surgery.
This technique is designed for tumors with poorly defined edges or rapid growth and those that have yet to respond to previous treatments. Additionally, Mohs surgery is ideal for individuals with suppressed immune systems, as it preserves healthy tissue essential for recovery.
However, for superficial or low-risk skin cancers, Mohs surgery may not be necessary. A medical professional can determine if this procedure is appropriate and create a treatment plan to address specific skin cancer needs.
Risks
While Mohs surgery is a highly effective treatment for skin cancer, understanding the potential risks involved is vital. Considering this procedure requires awareness of the possible complications that can arise.
Common risks include bleeding, localized pain, and infection at the surgical site. Although the risk of infection is relatively low, occurring in a small percentage of cases, it’s essential to take it seriously and follow post-operative instructions to minimize the risk.
Numbness or weakness in the surgical area after the procedure can also occur, affecting nearby nerves. Scarring is another potential risk, with the extent varying depending on the size and location of the tumor. Most scars fade over time, but it can take months to heal and mature fully.
Rare complications, such as significant scarring or shooting pain in the surgical area, may require further evaluation. Understanding these risks allows for informed decision-making and an active role in recovery.
Discussing these risks is essential for informed decision-making and a smooth recovery.
How you prepare
Preparation for Mohs surgery plays a significant role in ensuring a smooth procedure and recovery, and proactive steps before the procedure can help. It is crucial to inform the surgeon about all medications being taken, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Some medicines may need to be paused to minimize bleeding risks, and guidance will be provided.
On the day of the procedure, it is recommended that you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area. Local anesthesia will likely be administered to numb the area, so arranging for someone to drive home afterward is a good idea. The procedure can be lengthy, and drowsiness or discomfort may occur while driving.
Avoiding sun exposure in the treatment area leading up to the procedure can reduce the risk of complications and promote the healing of healthy tissue. Planning for a full day is advised, as the surgery preparation may involve multiple stages, including potential reconstruction if necessary.
Being prepared takes the first step towards a successful Mohs surgery experience.
What you can expect
Mohs surgery is an exact and intricate procedure that requires patience and understanding. The treatment for skin cancer involves receiving local anesthesia, which allows the patient to remain awake and comfortable throughout the process, which typically lasts several hours. The goal of the procedure is to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
During the procedure, thin layers of skin are removed and examined microscopically for cancerous cells. This process is repeated until no signs of cancer remain. The results of the microscopic analysis are usually available within an hour, guiding the decision to remove additional layers.
After the procedure, guidance is provided on wound care and post-operative care to ensure proper healing. Reconstruction may be necessary, and options are discussed with the patient. Throughout the process, patient safety and comfort are top priorities, and patients are empowered with the knowledge to monitor for signs of complications.
Understanding what to expect during Mohs surgery can help patients feel more confident and prepared for the journey ahead.
Results
Mohs surgery offers exceptionally high cure rates, up to 99% for new basal cell carcinomas and 94% for recurrent cases.
For squamous cell carcinomas, cure rates range from 95% to 99% for new cases and 90% for recurrent cases.
The technique provides immediate feedback on cancer margins, allowing for meticulous removal of cancerous tissue layer by layer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
It is vital for tumors in cosmetically sensitive areas. By maximizing healthy tissue preservation, Mohs surgery minimizes scarring and promotes optimal outcomes.
With its proven track record of success, Mohs surgery is a highly effective treatment for skin cancer, significantly reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
This treatment approach offers a proactive step towards a cancer-free future.
