Skin cancer is much more common, affecting millions of individuals. It also causes more deaths than any other type of cancer. But luckily, when detected early, you can survive the disease. There are various effective treatments for skin cancer, including Mohs surgery. The Mohs surgeon Glen Allen, VA, Dr. William Gillen, offers expert care to remove cancer and enhance your healing. Keep reading as we look at what Mohs surgery involves at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center.

What is Mohs surgery?

It is a technique invented by Frederic Mohs in the 1930s. Micrographic surgery involves using a microscope to design a map of a tissue specimen, any more findings or remaining tumor, to help with the accurate tumor removal.

 Usually, you undergo additional training of 1 to 2 years after completing dermatology to qualify to be a Mohs surgeon. The surgery ensures the removal of all cancerous cells while taking the smallest tissue amount.

What are the benefits of Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery removes only a small part of your tissue, which causes a smaller surgical problem that will require less extensive repair.

Mohs micrographic surgery uses a tissue processing technique that allows for 100% examination of the surgical margin. The complete examination of the margin results ensures the complete removal of cancer. It allows you to use advanced techniques to reconstruct and repair your surgical wound.

Slow Mohs

It is surgical excision with a modified version or comprehensive margin evaluation of Mohs surgery. Slow Mohs is used in treating certain types of skin cancer, such as melanoma in-situ.

The procedure uses unique stains that take a longer processing time to look for malignant cells at the tissue margins.

How do you know you need Mohs surgery?

One of the primary considerations when having Mohs surgery is the cancer location in your body. Mohs surgery uses the smallest tissue; hence, it is ideal to use on areas where there is no adequate tissue to spare, such as the hands, head, neck, feet, the front part of the lower legs, and genitals.

You may also require Mohs surgery when you have significant and rapidly-growing skin cancers, candidates who don’t qualify for other surgical techniques, or those with recurrent cancer.

Your provider assesses your biopsy results to determine whether you qualify for Mohs surgery.

Why do you need Mohs surgery even after your skin cancer looks gone after a biopsy?

A biopsy involves removing only a minor part of your lesion. A scar grows after, which may hide the other portion of cancer left. Mohs surgery is necessary to remove the entire area with cancer to prevent further complications.

What to expect after Mohs surgery?

The Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer team uses the latest techniques to remove your cancer, which ensures minimal scarring. You may also experience swelling and bruising, which resolves later. Your provider gives a customized treatment plan to help with your recovery.

You may need to take some time off work after your treatment. You may also need to stay away from strenuous activities and avoid alcohol during the first 48 hours. Avoiding smoking is also necessary to promote your healing.

Call Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer today to schedule your consultation for Mohs surgery.