Moh’s surgery is used for skin cancer. Moh’s surgery is also called Moh’s micrographic surgery. The purpose of Moh’s surgery is to remove skin cancer. It is a specialized surgical technique that surgeons use to examine the removed tissue for any evidence of cancer cells. Moh’s surgery usually requires a few hours to complete. The procedure may take longer to treat extensive tumor cells. Consulting doctors examine the skin cancer and determine whether Moh’s surgery is the best option for each particular patient’s skin cancer.
Since skin cancers can vary, the treatment is different from case to case. In Moh’s surgery, the removal of skin cancer has a high cure rate as it removes the cancerous cells from the skin tissue. Cure rate for basal cell cancer is as high as 100 percent using Moh’s surgery and that of basal cell cancer of the nose is 99.1 percent.
Recovery From Surgery
In Moh’s surgery, doctors remove the tumor cells and remove more tissues to identify tumor cell if any tumor cells may be remaining. This procedure continues until the skin tissue is free of all tumor cells. Up to 97 to 99 percent of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are treated effectively using Moh’s surgery. Removal of skin cancer is followed by closing the gaps or incision sites using stitches.
After surgery of the skin cancer, recovery involves using different methods such as antibacterial ointments to heal skin. Patients of skin cancer have a 50 percent chance of developing skin cancer again. Therefore, patients should ensure proper recovery procedures and get skin cancer treated in the early stages. The nurse or doctor can monitor and review recovery and provide post-treatment instructions after the surgery.
Does Moh’s Surgery Leave a Scar?
All types of skin surgery leave scars. Moh’s surgery is a tissue sparing technique that may cause the small defects or scars. A trained Moh’s surgeon repairs wounds to minimize scars and maximize cosmetic results. The surgeon is usually skilled in scar revision techniques. These techniques utilize laser technology for controlling the appearance of external scars.
Patients are recommended not to indulge in any activity on the day of surgery to avoid heavy scarring. With time, the appearance of the scar may improve, with the scar becoming less noticeable. One to two months after the surgery, an evaluation of the scar may follow to ensure proper healing. Application of petroleum jelly on the scar can help reduce itching.
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