About Mohs surgery
Mohs surgery is a specialized type of skin cancer removal procedure which is practiced by specially trained dermatologists, known as Mohs surgeons. Mohs surgery is popular because it is both highly effective and tissue sparing, meaning that as little healthy tissue as possible is removed in the course of the surgery.
A Mohs surgeon may complete your procedure in several stages. They will first remove the visible skin cancer. Then, the surgeon will review the removed tissue under a microscope to check the margins. If the margins are not clear, more tissue will be removed. This process is repeated until all of the cancerous cells are removed.
After the surgery, the wound will be closed or treated. Whether or not stitches are used depends on the amount of tissue removed and the location of the wound.
Seeing a Mohs surgeon
You will see a Mohs surgeon if your dermatologist identifies skin cancer and recommends Mohs surgery. In some cases, your dermatologist may be a trained Mohs surgeon, enabling them to be the provider performing your procedure. Otherwise, you may be referred to someone else in the practice.
What to expect from your treatment
Mohs surgery is often performed right in your dermatologist’s office. It is important to note that your Mohs surgeon may not be able to accurately estimate the length of the procedure, given that they do not yet know how many layers of tissue will need to be removed. It is best to prepare yourself for a lengthy visit.
Your Mohs surgeon will usually use an injected anesthetic to numb the area before treatment, ensuring that you do not feel pain. After the surgery is complete, the Mohs surgeon will give you some instructions for wound care and schedule any necessary follow up visits. Mohs surgery is a very routine procedure with a high success rate of full cancer removal.
It is a great benefit to you if you can have your Mohs surgery or other skin cancer treatment from the same dermatological team that takes care of your other skin care needs. At Metrolina Dermatology, you can have all of your dermatology needs taken care of in one convenient location.
If you live in or near the Charlotte NC area, the experienced and professional team at Metrolina dermatology may be the perfect choice for you. South Charlotte dermatologist and Fellowship trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Haberle is recognized as an expert in all areas of dermatology, including skin cancer treatments and Mohs surgery. Contact the team at Metrolina Dermatology today to schedule your first appointment and learn more about Mohs surgery and other skin cancer treatment options.
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