We usually only treat one skin cancer per visit as each cancer requires time and expertise.
Will The Surgery Leave A Scar?
Yes, there will be a scar, but our goal is to make it as aesthetically pleasing as possible. The goal of Mohs surgery is to remove as little normal skin tissue as possible, leaving the smallest scar.
What Is The Difference Between Mohs And Superficial Radiation Therapy?
Image-guided superficial radiation therapy (SRT) has inferior long-term cure rates, requires multiple treatment visits, is higher cost, and has limited published literature on its side effects and long-term consequences. For this reason, according to national expert consensus entities (American Academy of Dermatology, National Comprehensive Cancer Network), SRT should only be considered as a second-line treatment option under special circumstances for patients who are non-surgical candidates.
How Can I Prevent Developing Additional Skin Cancers?
You can prevent skin cancer by seeking shaded areas, avoiding intense sun, covering up, and wearing sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher.
Will I Have Pain After The Surgery?
It is normal to experience some discomfort or pain at the site of your skin surgery after the procedure. The level of pain or discomfort you experience will depend on several factors, including the size, location of the surgical site, and your individual pain tolerance.
Immediately following the surgery, you may experience some soreness or tenderness at the incision site, which can be controlled with extra strength Tylenol. It is normal for this soreness to last several days but should continue to improve.
In the days and weeks following the surgery, it is also common to experience itching, tightness, or a pulling sensation around the incision site as your skin heals.
It is important to report any unusual, severe or worsening pain, bleeding, or signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or drainage, to your surgeon right away.
Can I Travel After My Surgery?
We recommend that you do not travel or fly for two weeks after your procedure. This will ensure that you are available to return for your follow-up and suture removal appointments.
Can I Exercise Or Swim After My Procedure?
We recommend that you avoid exercise and swimming for one to two weeks after your procedure. This helps minimize the risk of bleeding, infection, or opening of the wound, and allows the wound to have a better cosmetic outcome.
Do I Need To Continue To See My Dermatologist If I Go See A Mohs Surgeon?
Yes. Your dermatologist is an important part of maintaining healthy, disease free skin on your entire body and you should visit the dermatologist on a regular basis. Following completion of your procedure, your Mohs surgeon will contact your dermatologist about your surgery and prognosis to make sure he or she is informed about your treatment.
Will I Need Plastic Surgery After Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgeons are highly trained in reconstruction, or repairing, the wound caused by removing the tumor, which makes the need for additional cosmetic surgery unnecessary in most cases. Advanced study and experience with the most current reconstruction techniques to minimize scarring is a major part of the fellowship-training that a Mohs College member must complete.
What Does Mohs Stand For?
The Mohs micrographic procedure and the Mohs College were named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, the surgeon who first pioneered the treatment 70 years ago and helped lead the innovation that advanced and refined it to the state-of-the-art treatment it is today.
What Is The Mohs College?
Founded in 1967 by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) is a membership organization of more than 1,600 fellowship trained skin cancer and reconstructive surgeons specializing in the Mohs micrographic surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. Learn more at
www.mohscollege.org
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