Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer that occurs when your cell turnover rate is abnormal. This can occur due to genetics, exposure to ultraviolet light, and other environmental factors. Fortunately, most skin cancers are treatable if caught early.
Pasadena Mohs surgery is performed by a team of experts who provide state-of-the-art, compassionate, and customized care for all your skin cancer needs.
Mohs surgery
Mohs surgery is a precise, outpatient procedure that helps to remove high-risk skin cancer while preserving your healthy tissues. It is a microscope-guided layer-by-layer excision through tumor mapping technology. This aids in complete tumor removal and high cure rates.
Types of skin cancers
The Mohs surgery treats the most common types of skin cancer, namely:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Melanomas
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
- Microcystic adnexal carcinoma
- Sebaceous carcinoma
Preparing for surgery
During your initial consultation, the doctor will:
- Review your medical history and the medications or supplements you take
- Conduct a physical exam to assess your signs and symptoms
- Order a biopsy (a test that involves the removal of a tissue sample to study under a microscope)
When you are considered an ideal candidate for Mohs surgery, the following pre-surgical preparation will be recommended :
- Stop smoking and alcohol intake 2 weeks before the surgery
- Avoid blood-thinning medications that can lead to blood loss
- Avoid certain supplements a week before the surgery
- Ensure to fast at least 24 hours before the surgery to maintain blood pressure
Mohs surgery procedure
Here are the typical steps involved in the surgery:
- Your surgeon will numb the skin around your cancer cells through injectable anesthesia
- The visible raised area of the tumor will be removed
- A thin layer of tissue will then be removed carefully, preserving as much healthy, normal skin as possible.
- The surgeon will map the surgical site to identify the margins of cancer tissues
- The tissues will be frozen, cut, and stained immediately which may take around an hour
- The surgeon will then examine the excised tissue under a microscope
- According to the tissue mapping, if there are any cancer cells, your surgeon will remove an extra thin tissue layer
- This process will continue until there are no more cancer cells
Mohs surgery recovery
Recovery after Mohs surgery will usually take 1 to 2 weeks. You are likely to experience mild pain, bruising, and discomfort that is short-lived.
Following the below-given instructions for optimal healing:
- Rest and relax for a week after surgery
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid exercise for at least 48 hours
Hearing the word cancer can be scary. But thanks to the recent advances in healthcare, your surgeon can remove your cancer cells through Mohs surgery, thereby improving your quality of life.
