Mohs surgery is a highly specialized treatment for the removal of skin cancers. Mohs surgery is named in honor of Dr. Frederic Mohs, the physician who developed the technique. It is typically a one day, outpatient treatment which allows for selective removal of the cancer while preserving as much of the surrounding skin as possible. This method differs from other methods of treating skin cancer by the use of microscopic examination of all the tissue removed surgically as well as detailed mapping techniques to allow the surgeon to remove only areas involved with cancer to ensure complete removal. The doctor serves as the surgeon, pathologist, and reconstructive surgeon. Our fellowship trained Mohs surgeon, Thomas J. Braza, MD, performs the surgery at all 4 office locations.
What are the advantages of Mohs?
By using the detailed mapping techniques and complete microscopic evaluation, the Mohs surgeon can pinpoint areas involved with the cancer that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. Therefore, even the smallest microscopic roots of the cancer can be removed. The results are: Highest cure rate possible, typically 99% Minimize the amount of healthy, undiseased skin removed Typically one day outpatient surgery using local anesthesia PREPARING FOR SURGERY:
- Medications:
- Avoid aspirin, over the counter pain medications (such as Ibuprofen, Aleve, Advil, etc), vitamin E, or herbal supplements for 7-10 days prior to the surgery. These medicines thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding complications.
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) is OK to take before the surgery.
- If you are taking blood thinners (such as Coumadin or Plavix), we ask that you stop these medicines for 3 days prior to surgery, but check with the prescribing physician first.
- Continue all other prescribed medications, unless instructed otherwise, and take your medications as you normally do on the morning of surgery.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours prior to surgery, as they can increase bleeding. Stop smoking as smoking will increase the risk of complications from surgery and interfere with normal wound healing.
- Be well rested with a good night's sleep. Eat a good breakfast/lunch on the day of the surgery, as you may be in the office for several hours.
- Please do not wear make-up, jewelry or nail polish, if it will cover the surgical site. Woman with an affected area anywhere on the face, ear or neck should not wear make-up.
- Transportation: You usually can drive yourself home after the surgery, but sometimes a driver is needed if the surgery is around the eye.
THE DAY OF SURGERY
When you arrive for surgery, you will check in at the front desk and then be called back to the surgery room by the assistant. Written consent for the procedure will be obtained and photos will be taken. Dr. Braza will discuss the procedure and answer any last minute questions. The area to be treated will be cleansed with a sterile antibacterial solution and then anesthetized (numbed) with local injection. The tissue will be removed, photos will be taken, and a bandage placed on the wound. You will be asked to wait in the waiting room while the tissue is prepared in the lab and examined under the microscope. This may take 45-60 minutes or longer. If microscopic examination reveals additional tumor that must be removed, then the doctor will take another layer of tissue and check it again. This may happen for several layers.
After the cancer is completely removed, a decision will be made on the best reconstructive method for repairing the wound created by surgery. These methods include letting the wound heal by itself, closing the wound side by side fashion with stitches, and repairing the wound with a skin graft or skin flap. The best method is usually determined on an individual basis after removal of the cancer. Once the reconstruction is completed, a pressure dressing is applied. Aftercare instructions will be explained and a written copy given to you.
The length of surgery varies depending the size and location of the tumor and type of reconstruction preformed. Although the average length of time is approximately 3-4 hours, you should plan on being there most of the day.
AFTER MOHS SURGERY
Your surgical wound will likely require wound care during the week(s) following surgery. Detailed written instructions will be provided. You should plan on wearing a dressing over the surgery site and avoid strenuous activities for about 1 week. Most patients report minimal pain which usually responds to Tylenol. You may experience tightness and numbness across the area of surgery which may take months to return to normal. You may also experience itching after your wound is healed. Redness, swelling, and bruising are common occurrences after surgery. Usually a return visit in 1-2 weeks is necessary to examine the surgical site and to remove the stitches.
As with any surgery, scaring will occur. Mohs surgery offers the benefit of preserving normal skin, thus minimizing the amount of scarring. Complete healing of the surgical scar may take 12 to 18 months. Especially during the first few months, the site may feel "thick", swollen, or lumpy, and there may be some redness. Gentle massage of the area starting about one month after surgery may speed the healing process.
Should you have any questions or concerns prior to or after surgery or after, please call the office. We would be happy to assist you.
Skin Cancer Removal
Skin cancer refers to the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of skin cells. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that one in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. People with fair skin, frequent sun exposure and a family history of skin cancer are at greatest risk. Fortunately, skin cancer is almost always curable if detected and treated early.
The most common skin cancers are:
- Basal cell carcinoma - 80-85% of all skin cancers. Basal cell carcinomas appear frequently on sun exposed areas, such as head, neck and hands in fair-skinned people. Left untreated they often grow beyond the skin to muscle and bones which can cause considerable tissue destruction or possible death.
- Squamous cell carcinoms - 10 of all skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinomas are also typically found in fair-skinned people in sun-exposed areas. These tumors can become invasive and spread (metastasize) to other part of the body and be fatal. When found early and treated properly, the cure rate for both basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas is over 95%. Treatments vary based on the type and location of the tumor.
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery
- Excision
- Electrodessicatin and Curettage (ED&C)
- Cyrosurgery
- Topical Creams
- Melanoma - 5% of all skin cancers. Melanoma is rare by a very dangerous type of skin cancer. Every year an estimated 8,000 Americans will die from melanoma. Melanoma may appear suddenly or begin in an existing mole. Any changing or new mole must be examined by a Dermatologist. Treatments vary based on the depth of tumor into the skin, type of melanoma, and location.
Treatment options include:
Cyst and Mole Removal
Cysts and moles are extremely common occurrences on the body and face, but are the cause of self-consciousness, embarrassment or even discomfort for many men and women of all ages. These can usually be removed quickly and simply on an outpatient basis.
A local anesthetic is normally used when removing moles and cysts. The majority of moles and cysts are removed by simple excision, and where only one or two exist, the procedure would normally take no more than twenty minutes.
Normally there is little or no recuperation time for Mole or Cyst removal.
