MOHS Surgery
MOHS surgery is a special surgical technique for the removal of high risk basal and squamous cell carcinomas or skin cancers which have failed other treatment methods, are aggressive in nature, or occur in areas which have a high risks of recurrence, such as the nose. It is not used for all skin cancers. By using microscopic control, this method has the highest cure rate of all skin cancer treatment options. Also, by removing thin layers of skin in the surrounding area until all traces of cancer have been eliminated, Dr. Ecker can avoid the necessity of removing excess skin and minimize the wound size. To learn more about this procedure and schedule a consultation with Dr. Ecker, contact our office today.
Who is a Candidate?
MOHS surgery can benefit patients with high risk or aggressive basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas. Although other methods are available, MOHS surgery may be a more appropriate treatment if:
The ProcedureThe goal of MOHS surgery is to remove the tumor and any surrounding tissue that may be cancerous using microscopic control.
To start the procedure, you will be administered a long-acting local anesthesia injection. Next, Dr. Ecker will use a scalpel to remove your cancerous growth, as well as a small portion of surrounding skin. You will wait in the reception area (this can be as long as an hour or more) while the specimen is processed and reviewed by Dr. Ecker using a microscope to analyze the tissue for signs of cancer. If any cancer remains, the location is mapped so that he will know where to take the next specimens noting the size and location of any remaining cancer. This continues in a step wise fashion until the surgery site shows no signs of cancer and the removal is complete and you are cancer-free.
Once he has eliminated all suspicious tissue, Dr. Ecker will discuss with you in detail your options for repair of the wound. This can be managed in one of several different ways. The wound can be allowed to heal by itself. The wound can be closed with simple primary closure, skin flap, or skin graft. Lastly, for extensive or complicated wounds, Dr. Ecker maintains a close working relationship with plastic and ENT surgeons who are very skilled and accommodating to the needs of MOHS surgery patients. We will do everything possible to assure that you have the best cosmetic result possible.
Prior to and after the procedure, you will given detailed and thorough pre and post op instructions. Please read them carefully and follow them as best that you possibly can to ensure the best outcome of your procedure. Also, if you elect this treatment option, you may need to be here into the afternoon as it can take several hours to complete. You should also wear loose clothing, bring entertainment or other persons to keep you occupied, and consider lunch arrangements if the procedure extends into the afternoon. We will do our best to make you comfortable.
RecoveryYou should be able to return to work and normal activity the day after your MOHS surgery. Follow-up visits are schedule from 1 to 2 weeks after your procedure. Most patients experience only minimal discomfort, but Dr. Ecker can prescribe oral pain medications to alleviate this if you feel the need. Your skin may take from six to 12 months to fully heal, however, and the skin in your treatment area may be red and swollen a few weeks. Although MOHS surgery should remove all existing malignancies, you will still need to take certain precautions to ensure skin cancer doesn't recur. These include limiting sun exposure, wearing sunscreen when outdoors, avoiding smoking, and returning for follow-up exams as requested.
Learn More about MOHSWith MOHS surgery, Dr. Ecker can help patients become completely free of skin cancer. Contact our office today to learn more about this procedure and schedule a consultation.
Who is a Candidate?
MOHS surgery can benefit patients with high risk or aggressive basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas. Although other methods are available, MOHS surgery may be a more appropriate treatment if:
- You have persistent cancerous growths that recurred after previous treatments.
- Your skin cancer is in an area that has a high risk for recurrence, such as your ears, scalp, central face and hands.
- Your tumor occurs adjacent to a vital skin area such eyes, ears, and nose.
- You have a large, quickly progressing, complex, or high-risk form of skin cancer.
The ProcedureThe goal of MOHS surgery is to remove the tumor and any surrounding tissue that may be cancerous using microscopic control.
To start the procedure, you will be administered a long-acting local anesthesia injection. Next, Dr. Ecker will use a scalpel to remove your cancerous growth, as well as a small portion of surrounding skin. You will wait in the reception area (this can be as long as an hour or more) while the specimen is processed and reviewed by Dr. Ecker using a microscope to analyze the tissue for signs of cancer. If any cancer remains, the location is mapped so that he will know where to take the next specimens noting the size and location of any remaining cancer. This continues in a step wise fashion until the surgery site shows no signs of cancer and the removal is complete and you are cancer-free.
Once he has eliminated all suspicious tissue, Dr. Ecker will discuss with you in detail your options for repair of the wound. This can be managed in one of several different ways. The wound can be allowed to heal by itself. The wound can be closed with simple primary closure, skin flap, or skin graft. Lastly, for extensive or complicated wounds, Dr. Ecker maintains a close working relationship with plastic and ENT surgeons who are very skilled and accommodating to the needs of MOHS surgery patients. We will do everything possible to assure that you have the best cosmetic result possible.
Prior to and after the procedure, you will given detailed and thorough pre and post op instructions. Please read them carefully and follow them as best that you possibly can to ensure the best outcome of your procedure. Also, if you elect this treatment option, you may need to be here into the afternoon as it can take several hours to complete. You should also wear loose clothing, bring entertainment or other persons to keep you occupied, and consider lunch arrangements if the procedure extends into the afternoon. We will do our best to make you comfortable.
RecoveryYou should be able to return to work and normal activity the day after your MOHS surgery. Follow-up visits are schedule from 1 to 2 weeks after your procedure. Most patients experience only minimal discomfort, but Dr. Ecker can prescribe oral pain medications to alleviate this if you feel the need. Your skin may take from six to 12 months to fully heal, however, and the skin in your treatment area may be red and swollen a few weeks. Although MOHS surgery should remove all existing malignancies, you will still need to take certain precautions to ensure skin cancer doesn't recur. These include limiting sun exposure, wearing sunscreen when outdoors, avoiding smoking, and returning for follow-up exams as requested.
Learn More about MOHSWith MOHS surgery, Dr. Ecker can help patients become completely free of skin cancer. Contact our office today to learn more about this procedure and schedule a consultation.