What you need to know about Mohs Surgery

It is one of the ancient techniques that was developed in the early 1930s. Generally, it is the use of a microscope to create a map of specimen tissues and tumors. This assists in the removal of specific tumors. Mohs surgery is generally used in the treatment of skin cancer. During this surgery, thin layers of skin consisting of the cancer cells are gradually removed and examined until cancer-free tissues remain. The main aim of this type of surgery is to remove skin cancer. For more information on Mohs surgery, book an appointment with a Mohs surgeon in Glen Allen, VA.

What are the benefits of Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery has many benefits for skin cancer patients. Some of the advantages of this surgery are:

• It ensures complete cancer removal during the surgery. It eliminates all the chances that cancer may come back.
• It minimizes the loss of healthy tissues.
• It also maximizes the functional and cosmetic outcome of the surgery.
• The processing technique used in the tissue allows a complete examination.

What are the risks involved with Mohs Surgery?

Just like any other type of surgery, Mohs surgery carries along some risks. The risks are:

• Excessive bleeding resulting from the removal of tissues.
• Pain or tenderness is felt around the surgical areas.
• Other infections may be experienced after the interference of the skin.
• Temporary or somewhat permanent numbness around the surgical area, significantly if the nerves were interfered with.
• A person may also experience weakness around the surgical areas. Some may also experience muscle weakness.
• A person may also experience itching or shooting pain around the infected area.
• An enlarged scar due to the cutting of skin where cancer cells are being removed.

How long does it take for a Mohs Surgery to heal?

Since the surgery results in a wound, daily care is required. Complete Healing may take up to six weeks. This depends on the size of the wound. Infections, bleeding, and pain may be experienced a little bit longer.

Is Mohs surgery necessary for basal cell carcinoma?

The surgery is also recommended if a patient basal cell carcinoma has a higher chance of recurring. This may be due to having a cancer cell found more in-depth in the skin or the face.

Does an individual require plastic surgery after the Mohs Surgery?

Research has shown that patients who undergo the Mohs surgery require a subsequent reconstruction, which is plastic surgery. It also indicates that only 15% of the patient undergoes plastic surgery.  Plastic surgery plays an essential role in reducing scars left on the face after the Mohs surgery. Reconstructive techniques are used to achieve the perfect face that is missing.

Conclusion

The Mohs surgery is an essential way of cancer treatment as it helps remove the cancer cell before they spread all over the skin. Patients with cancer skin should book an appointment to the nearest hospital to undergo Mohs surgery and prevent cancer cells’ spread to the rest of the body.

Sheri Crwn