Mohs Surgery

Mohs Surgery Q & A

What is Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is more and more a standard surgery to remove skin cancer. During the procedure, your dermatologist removes cancerous tissues layer by layer until all abnormal cells are gone.

The Dr. Malouf Dermatology experts are highly trained in doing Mohs surgery on patients of all ages. They have many years of experience treating all forms of skin cancer.

Why would I need Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery might be the skin cancer treatment for you if you have squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, or some kinds of melanoma — all common forms of skin cancer. Your Dr. Malouf Dermatology specialist might suggest Mohs surgery if you have recurring skin cancer or develop skin cancer in delicate areas that scar easily.

Mohs surgery is used on cancers with difficult-to-define borders, that are aggressive or large, and are near the mouth, nose, ears, eyes, feet, hands, or genitals.

Skin cancer can appear as a mole or other lesion. It can be a raised bump, skin discoloration, crusty or bleeding lesion, or tissue that changes its appearance over time.

Is Mohs surgery right for me?

To find out if you need Mohs surgery, your Dr. Malouf Dermatology provider examines your skin and reviews your symptoms. They also discuss your medical history and lifestyle. You might need a tissue biopsy or other diagnostic tests to confirm a diagnosis and help your provider develop an effective treatment.

How should I prepare for Mohs surgery?

To get ready for Mohs surgery, you might need to stop taking some medicines. Wear comfortable clothing, clear your schedule for at least several hours or the rest of the day, and bring something to help pass the time during the procedure.

What happens during Mohs surgery?

Your Dr. Malouf Dermatology provider cleans and numbs the treatment area before completing Mohs surgery so that you don’t feel any discomfort. They use a scalpel to remove cancerous tissues layer by layer and examine each layer under a microscope.

If any skin cancer is revealed by the microscope, they remove additional layers of skin until all of the cancer is gone. That way, as much healthy tissue as possible remains. They might let the wound heal on its own, close it with stitches, or use skin grafts from other parts of your body.

What should I expect after the procedure?

After you undergo Mohs surgery, your Dr. Malouf Dermatology specialist lets you know the results. You might need to attend follow-up visits to ensure the wound heals properly and no new cancer develops.

Schedule yearly skin exams, check your skin daily for signs of new cancer, and always protect your skin from the sun using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.

Call the Dr. Malouf Dermatology office or use the online scheduler to find out if you need Mohs surgery today.