If you've been diagnosed with skin cancer, surgical excision will likely be needed to eliminate the cancer and keep the disease from spreading. MOHS surgery has been developed to remove many skin cancer growths effectively, and a MOHS micrographic procedure may give you a better outcome. Your dermatologist may recommend a MOHS micrographic procedure if this surgery will likely produce the most favorable results.

The Process of MOHS Surgery

MOHS surgery is a precise medical procedure that removes cancerous skin growths layer by layer until the cancer is eliminated. As the cancerous skin surfaces are removed, they are examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells. More layers of skin will need to be removed until a noncancerous skin layer is reached. When the doctor finally reaches a skin layer that doesn't show cancer cells and the doctor is confident that all the cancer has been eliminated, the procedure will be complete.

You'll be awake throughout the surgery, so only a local anesthetic will be used to numb any pain. This outpatient surgery can be completed in a few hours or sooner if the cancerous growth is small and hasn't penetrated into deeper skin surfaces.

Less Scarring

You may be worried about scarring that skin cancer surgery can leave behind, but a MOHS micrographic procedure is designed to minimize scarring. Since the procedure is so precise and ceases once a noncancerous skin level has been reached, the doctor won't need to cut as deep or remove as much skin, and less scar tissue will likely form as a result. MOHS surgery can be an especially good procedure if you're having skin cancer removed from the face and want to minimize scarring as much as possible.

Faster Recovery

With less cutting, you can expect a faster recovery period than if you underwent a surgical procedure where more skin needed to be removed. The exact healing time will depend on the size and location of the skin tumor, but you likely won't have to endure a prolonged recovery period. You should expect to feel some pain and discomfort in the surgery site for the first few days after the procedure, but you'll likely be able to proceed with most of your activities without much difficulty. The stitches from the surgery site may be removed one to two weeks following your procedure.

A MOHS micrographic procedure can possibly put an end to your skin cancer battle and may be your best treatment option. Your dermatologist can give you more information on what to expect with MOHS surgery and will let you know if you're a suitable candidate for this procedure.