Is Mohs surgery better than regular surgery?

Mohs

Mohs

Frederic Edward Mohs (March 1, 1910 – July 2, 2002) was an American physician and general surgeon who developed the Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) technique in 1938 to remove skin cancer lesions while still a medical student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

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Frederic E. Mohs - Wikipedia

surgery is highly effective at removing skin cancer because the edges of the removed cancer tissue are checked much more thoroughly under the microscope than with regular surgery. In addition to being effective, the Mohs procedure allows the surgeon to leave behind normal skin and remove less healthy tissue.

Is Mohs better than traditional surgery?

The Mohs process examines 100 percent of the tissue margins under the microscope, whereas in standard surgical excision only 1 percent of the margins are examined microscopically. Mohs surgery also conserves the greatest amount of healthy tissue, giving you the smallest scar possible.

Why is Mohs surgery better?

Mohs surgery is so effective because it evaluates the tissue surrounding the cancer more thoroughly than traditional skin cancer surgery techniques. As a result, it is considered the gold standard treatment for high-risk skin cancers, such as those located on the head and neck or those with aggressive growth patterns.

What are the pros and cons of Mohs surgery?

Pros: This procedure is very effective. It results in minimal damage to the surrounding skin and the smallest possible wound. Cons: Mohs Surgery is not effective for melanoma skin cancers. Some patients experience bleeding from the wound, minor pain, and tenderness around the surgical site and infection.

When is Mohs surgery recommended?

Mohs surgery is most useful for skin cancers that: Have a high risk of coming back or that have returned after previous treatment. Are in areas where you want to keep as much healthy tissue as possible. This includes areas around the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands, feet and genitals.

The Difference Between Excision, Staged Excision

Should I be worried about Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is generally considered very safe, but there are some risks: Bleeding from the site of surgery. Bleeding into the wound (hematoma) from surrounding tissue. Pain or tenderness in the area where skin was removed.

What is the alternative to Mohs surgery?

Electrodesiccation and Curettage (ED&C)

ED&C is the most common alternative to Mohs surgery. In this procedure, cancerous tissue is scraped off using a curette, and any remaining cancer cells are destroyed with an electric current. This technique can be used to treat small tumors on the face, neck, hands, and feet.

Why not do Mohs surgery?

Melanoma removal and why Mohs surgery isn't suitable

The main reason is that melanoma is a far more aggressive form of cancer, and even after removal, there are chances it can reoccur. Reasons for this being that the removed tissue may not catch all the cancer cells.

Do you always need plastic surgery after Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery was originally created to help minimize the risk of scarring and the need for additional plastic surgery after cancer removal. However, a percentage of people who get Mohs do require plastic surgery after their skin cancer removal.

Should I get a second opinion before Mohs surgery?

One of the most common reasons skin cancer patients seek a second diagnosis is for potential reconstructive surgery, says Dr. Perez. “I always suggest a patient get a second opinion when they ask if a plastic surgeon will do a better job in closing the wound.”

Is Mohs surgery overkill?

There isn't enough time or well-trained Mohs surgeons to treat every cancer that is diagnosed. And in some cases, Mohs surgery is overkill. Many skin cancers are small, non-aggressive, or located in areas of the body where there is a surplus of skin and removing a wider margin is inconsequential.

How long does it take to completely heal from Mohs surgery?

How long does it take to heal from Mohs surgery? Scars from Mohs surgery continue to heal for 12 to 18 months after your procedure. In the year following Mohs surgery, you'll want to be patient as your scar matures, then fades. If you're unhappy with your scar, talk to your surgeon about your options for scar revision.

How long is recovery from Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery recovery is typically completed within two weeks post procedure, with patients required to rest and avoid heavy activity. Many return to work the next day. Most patients do not require pain medication but may experience sensitivity around the affected area.

Is Mohs surgery the best option for basal cell carcinoma?

Mohs surgery is considered the most effective technique for treating many basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), the two most common types of skin cancer. Sometimes called Mohs micrographic surgery, the procedure is done in stages, including lab work, while the patient waits.

What can you not do after Mohs surgery?

Rest and take it easy for the first 48 hours after surgery. Avoid any vigorous activity, heavy lifting, exercise, straining or anything that gets your blood pressure or heart rate up for at least the first week after surgery, while the sutures are in.

Why is Mohs surgery not recommended for melanoma?

Why Isn't Mohs Surgery Used More Often for Melanoma? While standard of care for non-melanoma skin cancers, Mohs surgery is used less frequently for melanoma in situ because melanoma is far more aggressive (and likely to spread) than other types of skin cancer.

How long do stitches stay in after Mohs surgery face?

Stitches on the face or neck are usually removed within 7-10 days. Stitches on the ears, scalp, limbs, chest and back are usually removed within 14 days. The scar is tightened in about a month. The postoperative wound heals in 4-6 weeks.

How long do I wear a bandage after Mohs surgery?

You should plan on keeping the area covered until your stitches are removed, 1- 2 weeks after surgery. A wound left to heal naturally may require 4-12 weeks of bandaging based on their size, location, and your own body's ability to heal.

Why can't you exercise after Mohs surgery?

The longer it takes a wound to heal, the greater the chance of a noticeable scar, and resuming physical activity too soon could also slow the healing process. “You don't want to overdo it because you can pop a suture or stretch the wound site,” said Dr. Platzer.

What happens if Mohs doesn't work?

However, when Mohs surgery fails, the result can be chronic symptoms, multiple treatments, functional impairment and potentially fatal outcomes.

What should you not do before Mohs surgery?

Why am I so tired after Mohs?

It's normal to have some tiredness and fatigue the day of and even a few days after surgery. Although many patients are back at work the day after surgery, some patients need more time to rest and recover. Patients should minimize physical activity for about a week after Mohs surgery.

How many stitches do you get for Mohs surgery?

Just A Couple Stitches

Adam Mamelak, board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon in Austin, Texas. While a patient may feel that one or two stitches are all that's needed, 10 or more may in fact be required to close their skin.

How long after Mohs surgery can I shower?

After 48 hours, you may shower with the dressing in place, then remove. Apply Polysporin ointment and a loose dressing using a Band-Aid or Telfa (nonstick pad) and paper tape. Remember to keep the surgery site protected with antibiotic ointment (i.e., Polysporin or Bacitracin).

Is Mohs considered surgery?

Mohs surgery. A surgical procedure to remove a visible lesion on the skin in several steps. First, a thin layer of cancerous tissue is removed. Then, a second thin layer of tissue is removed and viewed under a microscope to check for cancer cells.