Mohs micrographic surgery is used to treat certain types of skin cancer. It is particularly used when tumors appear in areas where tissue preservation is valuable or where the cancer has unclear borders. Understanding key information about skin cancer and the Mohs procedure may provide clarity, helping those who are seeking out options for treatment.
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells and most frequently appears on areas exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. There are three main types: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common. They often develop in the epidermis, the outer layer of skin. Melanoma is less common but tends to be more aggressive.
UV radiation can alter the DNA within skin cells and lead to changes that result in uncontrolled cell growth. Other factors, such as genetics and environmental exposures, may also contribute. Signs that could indicate skin cancer include new skin growths, sores that do not heal, or changes in existing moles. Diagnosis involves a thorough skin examination and a biopsy of suspicious tissue.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a specialized technique for removing skin cancer cells one layer at a time. This approach is recognized for its tissue-sparing capability. The surgery is commonly used for BCC and SCC, especially when preserving as much healthy skin as possible is preferred. The procedure involves removing visible cancer and examining the excised tissue under a microscope while the patient waits. This process is repeated until no cancer cells are detected at the edges, reducing the likelihood of removing excessive healthy tissue.
What Does It Involve?
Mohs surgery is performed in a medical office or outpatient setting and is typically done under local anesthesia. The patient remains awake throughout the procedure. This experience can differ depending on the size and nature of the tumor, but typically involves the same steps, such as:
- Preparation and Anesthesia: The targeted area is cleansed, and a local anesthetic is injected to numb the site, keeping the patient comfortable.
- Removal of Visible Tumor and Thin Tissue Layer: The surgeon removes the visible tumor along with a very thin layer of tissue beneath and around it.
- Mapping and Processing the Tissue: The removed tissue is divided into sections, and a detailed map is drawn to track the tissue’s position relative to the surgical site.
- Microscopic Examination: Thin tissue slices are examined under a microscope to check for any presence of cancer cells at the margins.
- Targeted Removal (Repeat if Necessary): When cancer cells are found at the edge of the tissue, only the area of skin mapped to those cells is removed in a subsequent stage.
- Wound Management: After all detectable cancer is removed, the wound is assessed and managed; options depend on the size and location of the wound. Small wounds may heal naturally.
The process of Mohs surgery allows for immediate analysis of whether all cancerous cells have been excised, contributing to a high level of assurance that no cancer remains at the site before wound closure.
Consult With a Dermatologist
If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, a dermatologist or Mohs surgeon can evaluate whether this technique is suitable for your diagnosis and skin cancer location. They can share details about the procedure and recovery and address questions about follow-up care, scarring, and prevention. Discussions with a trusted provider support clarity as you navigate cancer treatment options.
