Should i have mohs surgery

Another thin layer of skin gets analyzed, and the process is repeated until the pathologist confirms all cancerous tissue is gone. A skin graft and follow-up appointments are all that remain to ensure a full recovery, which happens most of the time. Skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early.

The Mohs procedure for skin cancer is a highly developed surgical process that focuses on removing the affected tissue while leaving as much healthy tissue in place. The entire process takes between two to four hours, which helps calm those who may be a bit apprehensive.

When the cancerous tissue is gone and the remaining healthy tissue only undergoes a minor trauma, you can heal up very quickly and without medical complications. Instead of using general anesthetic, your surgeon will numb the area on which he or she will operate and then proceed. Because it uses a localized anesthetic to number the afflicted area, most patients remain awake during Mohs surgery.

That means no recovery room costs to consider. It also means the procedure will be much faster, reducing the intrusion on your daily life. You may be scared to be awake during the surgery.

If this is the case, you can talk to your doctor before the procedure. Getting diagnosed with skin cancer can be an unsettling time, and your doctor wants to make sure you feel comfortable. Surgery often comes across as scary and expensive to many. In fact, they are likely a dermatological surgeon who specializes in surgery. When it comes to medical training and licensing, all surgeons are also qualified doctors of medicine, but not all doctors of medicine are surgeons. Mohs surgery usually is done on an outpatient basis and uses localized anesthetic to eliminate any pain.

A patient likely would not undergo any disorienting medication that would render them incapable of driving immediately after undergoing surgery. The cancer is destroyed by freezing it with liquid nitrogen.

The nitrogen may be sprayed on or applied with a cotton-tipped stick. What creams are used for treatment? You apply the cream every day or two for several weeks. What are the risks of treatment? Both surgery and medicated creams carry the risks of infection and pain or discomfort. No matter which treatment you choose, there's always a risk that the cancer could come back.

Compare your options. Compare Option 1 Get surgery Use medicated cream. Compare Option 2 Get surgery Use medicated cream. Get surgery Get surgery You have the surgery in a clinic and go home afterward. You are awake for the surgery, but the area is numbed. You treat the wound at home as it heals. Surgery has a higher cure rate than creams. With Mohs surgery, there is less chance of the cancer returning than with other surgeries and other treatments.

Side effects may include infection and pain or discomfort. The cancer may come back. Use medicated cream Use medicated cream You apply the cream at home every day or two for several weeks. You are careful not to get the cream on other parts of your skin. You take care to protect the treated area from the sun. Treatment with a cream does not leave a scar. The creams have high cure rates, although not as high as surgery. The cream causes pain and a burning feeling when applied.

Side effects may include infection, flu-like symptoms, and permanent darker or lighter patches or spots in the treated area. Personal stories about considering surgery or medicated cream for basal cell skin cancer These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. What matters most to you? Reasons to have surgery Reasons not to have surgery. The idea of having surgery doesn't bother me. I want to avoid surgery if possible. I'm not worried about having a scar after treatment.

I worry about having scars on my skin. I don't want treatment that takes several weeks. I don't mind if treatment takes a while. My other important reasons: My other important reasons:. Where are you leaning now? Having surgery Using medicated cream. What else do you need to make your decision? Check the facts. True Sorry, that's not right. Although treatment with creams doesn't leave scars, it sometimes leaves permanent white or dark patches of skin. False You're correct.

I'm not sure It may help to go back and read "Get the Facts. True That's right. Surgery is done in the doctor's office, and then it's over. The cream is applied by you at home every day or two for several weeks. False No, that's incorrect. True You're right. Although the cure rates for medicated creams aren't as high as the cure rates for surgery, they're still pretty high. False Sorry, that's wrong. Decide what's next. Yes No. I'm ready to take action.

I want to discuss the options with others. I want to learn more about my options. Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps. Your Summary. Your decision Next steps. Which way you're leaning. How sure you are. Your comments. Your knowledge of the facts Key concepts that you understood. Key concepts that may need review. Getting ready to act Patient choices. If you wear dentures and need surgery near your mouth, you may need to remove your dentures during the procedure.

Three or four hours or longer is common. The procedure may comprise several waiting periods while the layers of removed tissue are analyzed. You may wish to bring something to occupy yourself, such as a book, crossword puzzles, or knitting.

Even though the time frame for Mohs surgery is hard to predict, make plans ahead of time to have someone waiting who can take you home once the surgery ends. An anesthetic will be injected into the area where the tumor is located, numbing it completely and making the procedure painless. Your surgeon will use a scalpel to gently remove the tumor, along with one layer of tissue from around it. The tumor and tissue will be taken to the lab for analysis while you wait.

In the lab, the tissue sample will be sectioned and analyzed. If cancer is found, an additional layer of tissue will be removed in the exact area where the malignancy was located. This process continues until no more cancer cells are detected. This reduces the chance of cancer spreading metastasizing to other parts of your body.

New technologies, including stains that highlight malignant cells under a microscope and other immunohistochemistry techniques, help to further diminish this risk. Afterward, your surgeon will determine the best way to repair the area.

If the surgical wound is very small, it may be left to heal naturally, or it may be closed with stitches. Sometimes your surgeon may use skin grafting or the construction of a skin flap. If the tissue removal was extensive, you may require additional plastic surgery at a later time. For the next several days take it easy and avoid any strenuous activities, including bending. The surgical site will be covered with a bandage before you leave.

You should leave this bandage on for 24 to 48 hours. Your doctor will instruct you on when to remove the bandage and on the type of wound care you should use. Using ice packs is a common recommendation. Ask your doctor what type of medication you should take if you experience postsurgical discomfort. Minor discomfort and light bleeding are to be expected.

If you experience heavy bleeding, or any other reaction that concerns you, let your doctor know immediately. Minimally invasive surgery is usually safer than open surgery and typically has a faster recovery time.