An overview of Mohs surgery
Mohs surgery is a procedure used to treat skin cancer. It involves the removal of thin layers of skin, one at a time, and examination of each layer under a microscope for signs of cancer. The goal is to remove all cancerous tissue while preserving healthy surrounding skin. It is commonly performed on skin cancers with a high risk of recurrence, those located in sensitive areas, or cancers with ill-defined edges.
What is Mohs surgery used for?
Mohs surgery is used to treat various types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and other less-common skin cancers. It is particularly useful for skin cancers that have a high risk of returning or have recurred after previous treatment, those in areas where preserving healthy tissue is crucial, cancers with poorly defined edges, and large or rapidly growing tumors.
How to prepare for Mohs surgery?
To prepare for Mohs surgery, you should:
- Inform your surgeon about any medicines or supplements you are taking, especially those that may thin the blood, as they can increase bleeding after the surgery. Continue taking any prescription medication unless advised otherwise.
- Clear your schedule for the day, as the surgery may take less than four hours but could potentially take longer.
- Dress in layers, as the room temperature may vary during the procedure.
Follow your surgeon's specific recommendations for preparation, as they may vary based on your individual case.
How is Mohs surgery conducted?
Mohs surgery is a specialized procedure for treating skin cancer. It involves the removal of thin layers of skin from the affected area, which are then examined under a microscope to detect cancerous cells. This process is repeated until no cancerous cells are found. The surgeon maps the location of each tissue sample and removes additional layers if cancer is detected, while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
How are Mohs surgery results reported?
The results of Mohs surgery are reported by examining the removed tissue sections under a microscope and creating a map to track the location of each piece of tissue. If cancer is found in a tissue sample, the surgeon knows where to continue the operation. This process continues until no cancer is found in the removed tissue sections.
Understanding the report
During Mohs surgery, thin layers of skin are removed one at a time and examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells. The process continues until no cancer cells are found. The results of the surgery are interpreted by examining the excised tissue under a microscope in the lab. If cancer cells are found in a layer, the surgeon will continue to remove additional layers until the cancer is completely removed. This ensures the removal of all cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Limitations and Considerations
Mohs surgery is a highly effective treatment for skin cancer, but it does have limitations. While it allows for the precise removal of cancerous tissue, it does not guarantee a 100% cure rate. In some cases, the cancer may have already spread beyond the visible area or may have microscopic cells that are not detectable during the surgery. Additionally, Mohs surgery may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or those who cannot tolerate anesthesia. Lastly, the surgery may result in scarring, discomfort, and other complications, although these are rare.