This procedure is used to remove skin cancer that affects the face and other sensitive areas. The doctor removes the cancer layer by layer, examining the tissue under a microscope until only healthy tissue remains.
This surgery is most often used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas and other more rare skin cancers that:
This surgery is an effective and precise way to treat basal and squamous cell skin cancers. It offers a good chance for complete removal of the cancer, while sparing normal tissue.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have Mohs surgery, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.
In the time leading up to the procedure:
Local anesthesia will be used. You will not feel pain. You will be awake during the procedure.
The area will be cleansed with antiseptic. A local anesthetic will be injected into the area. Using a small scalpel, the doctor will remove the top visible portion of the cancer. Next, the doctor will remove another, deeper layer. The layer will be divided into sections. Each section will be color coded. This will allow the doctor to know exactly where the layer was in the skin.
These sections will be frozen and examined under a microscope for remaining cancer cells. If cancer is found at the edges of the removed layer, the doctor will go back to the precise section. Additional layers will be removed until all areas are cancer free. For larger wound areas, the doctor will close the wound with stitches or a skin graft procedure. Small, shallow wounds may heal without stitches.
The surgery will go quickly. You will have to wait while the doctor examines the tissue microscopically. In some cases, this procedure can last for several hours.
You should have minimal discomfort during the procedure. There will be some minor pain during recovery. You will be given pain medicine.
After the procedure, you may be given pain medicine and an antibiotic. You will be able to leave the same day.
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
RESOURCES:
American College of Mohs Surgery
http://www.mohscollege.org/
American Society for Mohs Surgery
http://www.mohssurgery.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Mohs Surgeons
http://www.mohssurgery.ca/cams.html
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca/
References:
American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org/. Accessed February 2, 2010.
American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery website. Available at: http://www.mohscollege.org/. Accessed March 26, 2010.
American Society for Mohs Surgery website. Available at: http://www.mohssurgery.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1. Accessed February 2, 2010.
Narayanan K, Hadid OH, Barnes EA. Mohs micrographic surgery versus surgical excision for periocular basal cell carcinoma. The Cochrane Collaboration website. Available at: http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab007041.html. Published April 15, 2009. Accessed February 2, 2010.
Last reviewed March 2010 by Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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