What is Mohs Surgery?

 

Mohs surgery is a specialized surgical procedure used to treat skin cancers, particularly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It's often recommended for cancers that are large, aggressive, or located in areas where it's important to minimize damage to surrounding skin, such as the face, ears, or hands.

 

The goal of Mohs surgery is to remove the skin cancer while keeping as much healthy tissue as possible. Unlike other surgical methods, this technique involves examining each layer of tissue under a microscope during the procedure to ensure that all cancer cells have been removed.

 

How Does Mohs Surgery Work?

 

The procedure is typically performed in stages, each of which involves the following steps:

1. Preparation: The area to be treated is cleaned and marked, and a local anesthetic is administered to numb the skin.

2. Removal of Tissue: Your surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue that includes both the cancerous cells and a small margin of healthy tissue around it.

3. Examination: The tissue is taken to the lab, where it's examined under a microscope to check for remaining cancer cells. While you wait, the surgeon may clean the wound and prepare for the next layer to be removed if necessary.

4. Repeat Process: If cancer cells are still present, another layer is removed, and the process repeats until all cancerous tissue is gone.

5. Closing the Wound: Once the cancer is fully removed, the wound will be closed with stitches or a skin graft, depending on the size and location of the removal site.

6. The number of stages required depends on how much cancerous tissue is found. Most patients only need 2 or 3 layers, but in some cases, it can take more.

 

Recovery After Mohs Surgery

 

Most people experience some tenderness, swelling, or bleeding at the surgical site. This is perfectly normal and part of the healing process. Your doctor will likely recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe something stronger for a few days.

 

• Rest is important: After surgery, it’s best to take it easy for a couple of days. Avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects.

• Wound care: You'll be given instructions on how to care for the wound, which may include cleaning the site and applying a healing ointment to prevent infection.

• Healing time: Your wound will gradually heal, though it can take up to a year for the scar to fully mature and settle. Scarring is common, but Mohs surgery is known for leaving smaller, less noticeable scars compared to other methods.

 

The Effectiveness of Mohs Surgery

 

Mohs surgery has one of the highest cure rates for skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the success rate is up to 98% for untreated cancers and up to 94% for cancers that have recurred. This makes it one of the most reliable treatments available, especially for skin cancers that are hard to treat or have returned after other treatments.

 

Why Choose Mohs Surgery?

 

• High Cure Rate: It provides the highest cure rates for skin cancer, particularly for aggressive cancers or those in sensitive areas.

• Precision: Each layer of tissue is analyzed during the surgery, ensuring that all cancerous cells are removed.

• Minimized Scarring: Since only the cancerous tissue is removed, there’s less damage to surrounding skin, leading to smaller scars.

• Outpatient Procedure: The procedure is done in a single visit under local anesthesia, meaning you can go home the same day.

 

Mohs Surgery at Paragon Skin

 

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, or if you have a suspicious spot that needs evaluation, Paragon Skin offers expert Mohs surgery at our Toms River, NJ and Manahawkin, NJ locations. Our experienced providers are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring the best possible outcome for your skin health.