Many skin doctors (dermatologists) can perform Mohs surgery, since dermatologists learn about Mohs surgery in their medical training. Some Mohs surgeons have undergone specialized training — called a fellowship — to learn more about the procedure and become more proficient in Mohs surgery.
Is Mohs always necessary?
Because of its high cure rate, Mohs surgery is now recommended as the treatment of choice for high-risk nonmelanoma skin cancers. Cancers on the nose, eyelids, lips, ears, hands, feet and genitals (some skin cancers are related to genetics or other causes rather than UV exposure) are all considered high-risk.
Is Mohs surgery only done on face?
Mohs surgery is the gold standard for treating many basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), including those in cosmetically and functionally important areas around the eyes, nose, lips, ears, scalp, fingers, toes or genitals.
Is Mohs surgery always successful?
Mohs surgery is speedy and efficient, but is also one of the most effective forms of treatment for certain types of skin cancer. For a standard skin tumor that’s being treated for the first time, the success rates are as high as 98 to 99 percent.
Do plastic surgeons perform Mohs surgery?
Plastic micrographic surgery is Mohs surgery with cosmetic reconstruction using both functional and cosmetic surgery principles, performed by a trained Mohs surgeon who is also Board-certified in plastic surgery and facial plastic surgery. This process begins with a surgical evaluation.
Do I need plastic surgery after Mohs surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery was initially developed and then further refined with the intent of significantly reducing scarring and the need for reconstructive techniques. However, statistics demonstrate that approximately 15 percent of patients who undergo Mohs require subsequent reconstruction.
What’s worse basal cell or squamous?
Though not as common as basal cell (about one million new cases a year), squamous cell is more serious because it is likely to spread (metastasize). Treated early, the cure rate is over 90%, but metastases occur in 1%–5% of cases. After it has metastasized, it’s very difficult to treat.
How long do I wear a bandage after Mohs surgery?
Your wound will be covered with a bulky bandage called a pressure dressing. This should be left in place for 24 hours and kept dry. After 24 hours you can remove the bulky bandage.
Can I drive myself home after Mohs surgery?
“In most cases, patients should be more than okay to drive themselves home after their procedure,” notes Dr. Adam Mamelak, a board-certified Dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs Micrographic Surgeon in Austin, Texas. During the procedure, the area of treatment will be numbed with lidocaine for the comfort.
How long should I take off work after Mohs surgery?
Most patients are able to return to work or school the next day after Mohs. Avoiding heavy lifting, straining, or strenuous exercise for seven to 21 days may be required depending on the area of surgery.
How bad is Mohs surgery?
Risks of Mohs Surgery
Bleeding, infection, itching, or numbness at the wound site. Muscle weakness where the cancerous skin was removed. Pain or soreness at the wound site and surrounding skin. A thick scar remains at the wound site.
What happens if you don’t remove basal cell carcinoma?
Without treatment, a basal cell carcinoma could grow — slowly — to encompass a large area of skin on your body. In addition, basal cell carcinoma has the potential to cause ulcers and permanently damage the skin and surrounding tissues.
How long should you use Vaseline after Mohs surgery?
Keep the area covered until completely healed (approximately 1 to 2 weeks). Legs or large lesions may require longer to heal (1 to 2 weeks). If you have stitches in your biopsy site, keep the site clean with soap and water and apply Vaseline and a clean bandage daily until sutures are removed.
Does insurance pay for Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. Please enlist the aid of your employee benefits administrator and/or physician’s billing specialist to determine estimated out-of-pocket expenses.
Is Mohs surgery better than plastic surgery?
Because Mohs surgery removes less normal tissue, it is likely to be superior to surgical excision for cosmetic outcome.
How much does a Mohs procedure cost?
An average cost for Mohs surgery is $1,000 to $2,000. The cost will depend on the size of the cancer and the amount of tissue removed.