Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in the United States; surgery is one treatment that can entirely remove cancerous cells before they spread. Mohs skin cancer surgery is one option that treats certain types of skin cancer, offering patients a precise and effective path forward. Here is more information about Mohs surgery and how it works:
Understanding Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery
Mohs skin cancer surgery is a procedure that removes skin cancer one thin layer at a time. Each layer is examined under a microscope before the surgeon proceeds, and this continues until no cancer cells remain. The technique is highly effective for treating non-melanoma skin cancers, particularly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Surgeons prefer it for cancers on sensitive areas like the face, ears, and hands because it removes as little healthy tissue as possible. The cure rate for Mohs surgery is as high as 99% for non-melanoma skin cancers, making it one of the most reliable options available.
Non-melanoma skin cancers grow in distinct, traceable patterns, and Mohs surgery takes advantage of this. Because each layer is analyzed immediately on-site, the surgeon can map the exact location of any remaining cancer cells. This real-time analysis sets Mohs apart from other treatments.
Explaining the Surgical Process
The procedure typically takes place in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. Your surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue, and you wait while the sample is prepared and examined for cancer cells. If cancer remains, another layer is removed from that precise location.
Here is a general outline of what happens during the procedure:
- Local anesthesia is applied to numb the treatment area
- A thin layer of tissue is surgically removed
- The tissue is processed and examined under a microscope
- The process repeats until all margins are clear
- The wound is then closed or left to heal naturally
Dermatologists complete most Mohs procedures in a single day, though the number of stages required varies by patient.
Following Up After Surgery
After your procedure, your surgical team will provide detailed wound care instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing. The first visit to remove the stitches typically occurs within one to two weeks of surgery. At that appointment, your dermatologist checks the wound and removes any sutures if applicable, and they assess for signs of infection or complications. Because subsequent appointments focus on monitoring for recurrence, your dermatologist may recommend annual or biannual skin checks depending on your history.
Checking Your Skin Regularly
Performing monthly self-exams helps you stay aware of any new or changing spots on your skin. Stand in a well-lit room with a full-length mirror and use a hand mirror to examine hard-to-see areas. Look for the following warning signs:
- New growths or sores that do not heal within a few weeks
- Spots that bleed, itch, or crust repeatedly
- Moles or lesions that change in size, shape, or color
- Areas of skin that look different from surrounding spots
Learn More About Cancer Prevention
Mohs skin cancer surgery is a precise, highly effective treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers. Recovery involves scheduled follow-up visits and regular self-examination at home, both of which support long-term skin health; using sunscreen every day and wearing protective clothing in the sun can help you reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. If you want to learn more about the benefits of Mohs surgery, consult a dermatologist near you.