A skin cancer diagnosis can be stressful, especially when you’re learning about treatment options. Regular skin cancer screenings can help identify suspicious spots early, before they have a chance to grow or change. If your dermatologist finds skin cancer and recommends Mohs surgery, understanding how the procedure works and what recovery involves can help you feel more prepared.
Mohs surgery is a precise treatment for certain types of skin cancer. It involves removing the cancer layer by layer and examining each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells remain in the tissue being examined. Because this process allows the surgeon to check the margins as the procedure progresses, it can help preserve as much healthy skin as possible.
At ACS Dermatology, our Mohs surgeon in Fairfax, VA, helps patients understand their treatment options and what to expect throughout the process. Whether you’re seeking an evaluation for a suspicious spot or have already received a skin cancer diagnosis, regular dermatology care plays an important role in protecting your skin health.
When Is Mohs Surgery Recommended?
Mohs surgery is often recommended for skin cancers in areas where preserving healthy tissue is especially important, such as the face, nose, ears, neck, and hands. It may also be appropriate for cancers that have returned after treatment, have poorly defined borders, or have other high-risk features.
Unlike some other surgical approaches, Mohs surgery allows the removed tissue to be examined immediately while you wait. The surgeon can then determine whether additional tissue needs to be removed. This targeted approach helps ensure that the cancer is cleared while limiting the removal of surrounding healthy skin when possible.
Your dermatologist can help determine whether Mohs surgery is the right option based on the type, location, and characteristics of your skin cancer.
What to Expect on Surgery Day
Mohs surgery is usually performed in an outpatient setting, so most patients go home the same day. The area around the skin cancer is numbed with a local anesthetic to help keep you comfortable during the procedure.
Your surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue and examines it under a microscope for cancer cells. If cancer remains at the edges of the sample, another layer is removed from the specific area where those cells were found. This process continues until the examined margins are clear.
Because the surgeon may need to remove several layers, the appointment can take several hours. The length of your visit depends on the size and location of the cancer and how many stages are needed. Bringing something to read and planning to spend much of the day at the office can help you prepare.
Mohs Surgery Recovery and Follow-Up
Once the cancer has been removed, your surgeon will discuss how to care for the wound and whether it needs to be repaired. Depending on the size and location of the area, the wound may be closed with stitches, repaired with a skin graft or another technique, or left to heal naturally.
Some soreness, swelling, bruising, or minor bleeding may occur after surgery. Your care team will provide instructions for wound care and explain what signs to watch for during healing. Following these instructions and attending recommended follow-up appointments can help support recovery.
Having skin cancer also means it’s important to stay up to date on skin checks. Your dermatologist can recommend a follow-up schedule based on your history and risk factors.
Find Out More From A Mohs Surgeon in Fairfax, VA
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, your dermatologist can help you understand the treatment options available to you. At ACS Dermatology, we provide personalized care and help patients navigate the next steps with clear information and attention to their concerns.
If you’re looking for a Mohs surgeon in Fairfax, VA, contact ACS Dermatology at (571) 347-2879 to schedule an appointment or discuss your care.