What do you need to know about Mohs surgery?
Overview. During Mohs surgery, thin layers of cancer-containing skin are progressively removed and examined until only cancer-free tissue remains. Mohs surgery is also known as Mohs micrographic surgery. The goal of Mohs surgery is to remove as much of the skin cancer as possible, while doing minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
When did Frederic E Mohs invent Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery, developed in 1938 by a general surgeon, Frederic E. Mohs, is microscopically controlled surgery used to treat common types of skin cancer.
What’s the difference between Mohs and local excision?
Mohs surgery is an improvement to standard surgery (local excision), which involves removing the visible cancer and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue all at once.
Who are the team members in Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery often leaves an open wound, which most often is reconstructed (closed) by the Mohs surgeon. The team consists of the Mohs surgeon, histotechnician, and assisting nurses. The Mohs surgeon identifies the cancer and its margin, often with the aid of dermatoscopy.
When to use slow Mohs surgery for melanoma?
Mohs is only used to treat an early melanoma, and it must be a type of melanoma called lentigo malignant melanoma. This type of melanoma stays close to the surface of the skin for a while. When treating melanoma, the surgeon uses a modified type of Mohs surgery called slow Mohs.
How long is the waiting period for Mohs surgery?
You’ll be awake for the entire surgery. It’s hard to predict how long Mohs surgery will last. Three or four hours or longer is common. The procedure may comprise several waiting periods while the layers of removed tissue are analyzed. You’ll be able to sit up and relax during these wait times.