During Mohs Surgery
During Mohs Surgery in Fort Collins & Loveland, CO
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer and are considering treatment options, understanding what happens during Mohs surgery can help ease any concerns and prepare you for the procedure. Divine Dermatology takes care of patients during Mohs surgery in Fort Collins and Loveland, CO. We’re committed to providing comprehensive care throughout your Mohs surgery experience. Reach out to us to learn more.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a specialized surgical technique designed to treat skin cancer with the highest precision possible. This procedure involves the systematic removal of cancerous tissue layer by layer, with each layer examined under a microscope immediately after removal. The surgery centers on a unique approach of only removing only the tissue that contains cancer cells while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. This technique is particularly effective for treating basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, making it an excellent option for Mohs surgery for skin cancer treatment.
The Mohs Surgery Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the Mohs surgery stages helps patients feel more confident about their treatment. Here’s what you can expect during your procedure:
Pre-Surgery Consultation and Preparation
Dr. Divine will meet with you to review the procedure’s steps in detail and obtain your informed consent. This is an excellent time to ask any questions about the process, recovery, or expected outcomes. If you experience anxiety about the procedure, medication may be available to help you feel more comfortable.
Stage 1: Preparation and Initial Removal
Once you’re ready for surgery, the surgical site will be thoroughly cleansed with an antibacterial solution. A small needle injection of local anesthetic will then numb the area completely. You’ll remain awake and comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Dr. Divine will then remove the visible portion of the tumor along with a thin layer of surrounding tissue. This initial removal includes a small margin of what appears to be healthy skin to ensure complete cancer removal.
Stage 2: Tissue Processing and Microscopic Examination
The removed tissue is immediately taken to our on-site laboratory for processing. This crucial step typically takes 30-60 minutes, during which you’ll wait comfortably in our waiting room. The tissue is frozen, sectioned, and stained so Dr. Divine can examine 100% of the surgical margins under a microscope.
Stage 3: Additional Layers
If cancer cells are detected at any of the tissue margins, Dr. Divine will precisely map their location and remove another thin layer of tissue from only those specific areas where cancer remains. This process continues until the microscopic examination reveals no cancer cells in the margins.
Stage 4: Wound Repair and Reconstruction
After complete removal of all cancerous tissue, Dr. Divine will discuss the best options for wound repair. The reconstruction method depends on several factors, including the size and location of the resulting wound.
Repair Options After Mohs Surgery
In some cases, Dr. Divine may recommend consultation with a plastic surgeon for complex reconstructions, particularly for larger tumors or those in cosmetically sensitive areas. In most cases, several repair options are available:
- Natural Healing: For some wounds, particularly smaller ones, allowing the area to heal naturally with the aid of special dressings may be the best option. This approach can produce excellent cosmetic results.
- Direct Closure: Many wounds can be closed with sutures in a straight line. This method typically heals quickly and produces minimal scarring.
- Advanced Reconstruction: Larger or more complex wounds may require skin flaps, skin grafts, and combination approaches.
Is Mohs Surgery Right for You?
Our team can help determine if Mohs surgery is the most effective option for you. Mohs surgery is particularly beneficial for patients with:
- High-risk skin cancers in cosmetically important areas like the face, ears, or hands
- Large or aggressive tumors that require precise removal
- Recurrent skin cancers that have returned after previous treatment
- Cancers with poorly defined borders that make traditional excision challenging
What Are the Advantages of Having Mohs Surgery?
Choosing Mohs surgery for skin cancer treatment is one of the most effective treatment plans. Some of the many benefits include:
- Precision and Accuracy: The microscopic examination of 100% of tissue margins ensures complete cancer removal with unprecedented accuracy.
- Cosmetic Outcomes: By preserving healthy tissue, Mohs surgery typically results in smaller scars and better cosmetic outcomes, especially important for facial skin cancers.
- Immediate Results: You’ll know the outcome of your treatment before leaving our office, providing peace of mind and eliminating the anxiety of waiting for pathology results.
Mohs Surgery Recovery: What to Expect
The Mohs surgery recovery process varies depending on the size and location of your wound. The complete Mohs surgery healing process continues for 12-18 months as your scar matures and fades. Most patients experience the following:
- Immediate Post-Surgery Care: Your surgical site will be dressed before you leave our office, and you’ll receive detailed home care instructions.
- Pain Management: Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort that can be effectively managed with over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen.
- Activity Restrictions: You’ll need to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least one week to promote proper healing.
- Follow-Up Care: We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and remove sutures if necessary.
When To Call the Doctor
While complications from Mohs surgery are rare, it’s important to contact our office if you experience issues. Contact us immediately if you experience:
- Excessive Bleeding: While some minor bleeding or oozing is normal, persistent bleeding that doesn’t stop with gentle pressure requires attention.
- Signs of Infection: Infection signs may include a fever, a foul odor from the surgical site, yellowish discharge, or increasing swelling.
- Severe Pain: While some discomfort is expected, severe or worsening pain that doesn’t respond to prescribed pain medications should be evaluated.
- Wound Complications: Any concerns about how your wound is healing should be discussed with our team.
FAQs: During Mohs Surgery
Since only local anesthesia is used, most patients can drive themselves home after Mohs surgery. However, if you received anti-anxiety medication, you’ll need someone to drive you. You’ll receive detailed wound care instructions, typically involving keeping the area clean, applying petroleum jelly, and covering with appropriate dressings. Specific instructions will be tailored to your individual situation. The duration varies depending on the extent of the cancer. Some procedures may take only a few hours, while others requiring multiple stages may take most of the day. The average procedure involves 1-3 stages. Most patients can return to work and light activities the day after surgery. However, avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least one week to promote proper healing. Yes, Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so you’ll be awake and comfortable throughout the procedure. The local anesthetic ensures you won’t feel any pain during tissue removal.
Care at Divine Dermatology
At Divine Dermatology, we understand that facing skin cancer treatment can be overwhelming. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Divine, is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care throughout your Mohs surgery experience. Our state-of-the-art facilities in Fort Collins and Loveland are equipped with an on-site laboratory, allowing us to complete your entire procedure in one visit. This convenience, combined with our expertise in Mohs surgery and reconstruction, ensures you receive the highest-quality care. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.