Understanding How Mohs Surgery Can Help You

Skin cancer is the most common form of the disease. About 20% of American adults will have a brush with carcinoma or melanoma by the time they reach the age of 70. But with early detection, the prognosis is often good. 

Mohs micrographic surgery offers a skin cancer treatment designed to remove a cancerous skin lesion, eliminating a layer at a time until all of the cancer is gone. It is, however, a detailed procedure requiring specialty training. Daphne Panagotacos, M.D., Inc. has the expertise you need for skin cancer treatment. 

The Mohs surgery technique

Developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederic Mohs, this surgical approach to skin cancer was later refined and became the standard of care for the disease. The technique involves Dr. Panagotacos removing skin tissue in the area of the cancerous lesion one layer at a time. 

This sample is then inspected carefully under a microscope to identify cancer cells. The process is repeated, layer by layer, until no cancerous cells remain. That ensures complete removal of the lesion while minimizing the impact on healthy tissue. 

Mohs surgery is performed in the office using local anesthetic for your comfort. With an onsite lab, testing for cancer is immediate. You’ll be bandaged as you wait for the testing of each layer. Once all the cancer is eliminated, Dr. Panagotacos closes and dresses the wound, and you’re good to go. You’ll receive after-care instructions personalized to your situation. 

How you benefit from Mohs

Mohs surgery treats virtually all types and sizes of skin cancers, from the most common and slowest-developing squamous and basal cell carcinomas to more aggressive early-stage melanomas. Regardless of the cancer type, the control that Mohs surgery offers means high success rates with the least impact on the surrounding skin. 

What to expect

Because Mohs surgery usually involves multiple samples, your procedure could take most of the day. Choose comfortable clothing for your appointment and bring a book, tablet, or smartphone to use between sample collections.

Depending on the size of the wound, once the cancer is cut away, the procedure site is closed with stitches, sterile dressings, or skin grafts. Recovery can take up to six weeks, depending on the size and depth of your procedure. 

After a Mohs procedure, continue monitoring your skin for any changes that could suggest further cancer activity. You have a higher risk of recurrence compared with those who haven’t had the disease. Talk to the professionals at Dr. Panagotacos’ practice to discuss skin cancer screening. 

Early detection and prompt treatment are your best protections when skin cancer strikes. Contact Daphne Panagotacos, M.D. by phone, text, or online to schedule your initial consultation for Mohs micrographic surgery. The time to act is now.