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What Is Mohs Micrographic Surgery and How Can It Help Me?

One in five Americans will develop some type of skin cancer over the course of their lifetime. If you or a loved one has experienced skin cancer, it’s good to be familiar with Mohs Micrographic Surgery. Developed in the 1930s, the Mohs technique has evolved into one of the most successful skin cancer treatments to date.

 

What is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?

Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a common and effective skin cancer treatment that allows the physician to remove as little of the affected tissue as possible while still providing a successful cure rate. You will likely be given local anesthesia during the procedure before the tumor portion is removed. Once removed, the tumor is taken to an onsite lab to determine if any skin cancer remains. This portion of the procedure often takes the longest while doctors determine the presence of cancer cells. If cancer cells remain, another layer of tissue is taken and examined again in the lab. The doctor repeats this process until no cancer cells remain.

When the process is finished, the doctor will determine if the wound needs to be left open to heal or stitched closed. Either way, follow the doctor’s instructions closely to care for the wound and scar. You’ll also want to follow-up to avoid any possible infection.

After the procedure, we suggest having someone drive you home. In many cases, patients are given a sedative or local anesthesia and/or may be swollen depending on the location of the surgery. Once the anesthetic wears off, patients will experience little to no discomfort.

 

Are You a Candidate for Mohs Micrographic Surgery?

This surgery is recommended for basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), including those in areas around the eyes, nose, lips, ears, scalp, and fingers. It is also recommended for BCCs or SCCs that are aggressive or growing rapidly. The surgery is also recommended for some cases of melanoma. Patients with BCCs, SCCs, or melanoma choose to have Mohs Micrographic Surgery for many reasons, including cost-effectiveness and quick results.

With the end goal of removing as much of the skin cancer as possible while doing minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue, Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the best surgery to choose if you need skin cancer treatment.

The dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute can assist you in determining if you are a good candidate for Mohs Micrographic Surgery. Keep in mind that once diagnosed with skin cancer, you are at an increased risk of developing it again. Be sure to schedule regular follow-up appointments with your doctor.

If you live in or around the Bloomington, Illinois area and want to get tested for skin cancer and/or see if you are a candidate for Mohs Micrographic Surgery, fill out this form to make an appointment at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute. Our dermatologists look forward to providing you with the most successful skin cancer treatment available.

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