5 Things To Know About MOHS Surgery

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Oftentimes, skin cancer can become life-threatening if left untreated, causing severe damage to the affected skin and the surrounding area. It is for this reason that we urge individuals to seek help if they notice any unusual changes to their skin. At the Dermatologic Surgery Center located in Medina, OH we offer guidance and treatment options for individuals with skin cancer.

Cancer left untreated, over the course of time, can begin to penetrate the various layers of our skin, although healthy tissue may still remain in the deeper layers. Through Mohs Surgery, we are able to remove and analyze these cancerous layers, revealing the healthy, vibrant skin underneath. Furthermore, we make sure all cancerous layers have been removed before sending the patient home. Each patient is also provided pre and post-care instructions to ensure optimum results and recovery.

Below we have listed 5 quick facts you may not know about Mohs Surgery:

 

1. Complete Removal And Analysis Of Cancerous Tissue In A Single Day

At our Medina surgical center, our surgeon performs the surgery as well as the pathology aspect of the procedure within the same day. Pathology is necessary after the removal of the cancerous tissue so that we may analyze the cancer layer by layer, ensuring accurate post-surgical results and expectations. Not all facilities are able to perform the pathology aspect of the procedure within the same day, causing the patient to wait a few days before learning if the treatment site is clear of cancer. If the results reveal it is not clear, the patient would then need to return to the clinic for further removal of cancerous tissue. However, by providing patients with the removal and pathological aspect of the procedure within the same day, Mohs Surgery allows patients to return home with peace of mind and assurance.

2. Precise Surgical Technique

We perform a precise surgical procedure to remove cancer in layers. On the day of your treatment, our surgeon will mark or map the treatment site to assure correct removal of skin layers. Afterward, the surgeon will utilize a local anesthetic to numb the treated area, ensuring a comfortable procedure. Thin layers of the treated skin will then be removed and prepped with precise care for examination under a microscope. This is known as the pathology aspect of the procedure. If the cancerous tissues have not been removed completely, as layers of the treated site are examined, then more layers will be taken until healthy tissues are observed under the microscope. In this sense, we make sure the healthy skin is maintained and the cancerous layers are removed, causing less scarring

In the traditional way, a larger sample of the treated area is removed, and the patient is sent home with cancerous tissue still remaining on the target sites. The patient would then await their next appointment after receiving results from the pathologist. Mohs Surgery allows complete removal of cancerous tissue before the patient’s dismissal.

3. Provides Different Reconstructive Procedures For Wound Care

Mohs provides multiple methods for wound care post-surgery, dependent on the treated area. In most cases, we may allow the wound to heal itself for optimum results. However, if reconstruction is necessary, we also provide flap repair and grafting. Flap repair involves setting a piece of tissue that is attached to its veins and artery into the recipient site. On the other hand, grafting involves utilizing a thin layer, or full thickness of skin, from the donor site and attaching it to the recipient site. Our surgeon will recommend the best post-surgical wound care which would deliver optimum results for each individuals’ unique needs.

4. High Cure Rate With Relatively Painless Treatments

The success rate for Mohs Surgery is about 98% to 99%. Therefore, it is quite effective and safe. Mohs surgery is effective in curing various types of skin cancer, such as Basal Cell Carcinomas and Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Additionally, the pain associated with Mohs Surgery is minimal. We can offer our patients oral medication for relaxation if anxiety for the surgery is an issue. Post-treatment, the pain is relatively low and can be relieved by over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol, allowing individuals to resume their daily activities. However, please take into consideration that you will have bandages on the treated areas.

5. MOHS Surgery Is Not Suitable For All Skin Cancer Types

Although Mohs surgery is quite effective with a high success rate, it is not efficacious in treating every skin cancer type. Currently, our procedure delivers gratifying results for non-melanoma cancers. These include Sebaceous Carcinoma, Atypical Fibroxanthoma (AFX), Macrocystic Adnexal Carcinoma (MAC), Malignant Fibro Histiocytoma (MFH), Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP), and other rare malignancies. Our experienced surgeon will determine your skin cancer type and treat it effectively with the correct procedure.

 

If you would like to learn more about Mohs surgery, call or stop by the Dermatological Surgical Center in Medina, OH today. With us by your side, skin cancer doesn’t have to be scary. We deliver highly precise procedures for the removal and examination of various skin cancers within the same day of your scheduled appointment. Our skilled surgeon makes sure our patients are satisfied and at ease during treatment, delivering gratifying results. Give us a call today! We are committed to providing you with exceptional guidance and support during your healing journey!

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