Mohs Surgery For Skin Cancer
About Mohs Surgery For Skin Cancer
Certain skin cancers are treated with a process called Mohs-type surgery. The tumour is removed in thin layers and is microscopically examined for signs of malignancy. The procedure is repeated until no cancerous cells are visible and the tumour margins are clear.
Removing all of the skin cancer while sparing the surrounding healthy skin is the aim of Mohs surgery. With Mohs surgery for skin Cancer, the surgeon can ensure complete eradication of the malignancy whilst limiting the size of the defect. The procedure ensures the highest rates of tumour clearance.
Why is Mohs Surgery done?
Mohs Surgery for skin cancer is specialised surgery. Dr Conroy is one of very few plastic surgeons in Dubai who offers this – not only resecting the tumour but also performing the reconstruction of the defect, often using techniques involving local skin flaps to reconstruct the defect. Local flaps provide excellent colour and textural matches, making the result almost seamless.
Mohs-type surgery is usually performed on non-melanoma skin cancers with certain conditions:
- Have a high chance of coming back or returning after previous treatment.
- Have edges that are hard to define.
- Are in areas where you want to keep as much healthy tissue as possible. This includes areas around the ears, eyes, nose, hands, mouth, feet and genitals.
- Are in cosmetically sensitive areas
Potential risks of Mohs surgery for skin cancer
Issues that may arise both during and following Mohs surgery consist of:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Tenderness or pain around the surgery area.
- Wound healing delays
Preparing for Mohs surgery for skin cancer in Dubai
- Medications and Supplements: You might be advised to stop certain medications, like blood thinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to eliminate the risk of bleeding.
- Eating and Drinking: Follow your doctor's instructions about eating and drinking before the surgery. Some procedures may require fasting, while others do not.
- Arrange for Transportation: Plan to have someone drive you home after the surgery, especially if you'll be receiving sedatives or if the surgery is extensive.
- Prepare for the Day: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, preferably with buttons or zippers for easy removal.
Procedure of Mohs surgery for skin cancer in Dubai
- Local Anesthesia: The procedure begins with applying local anaesthesia to numb the area around the skin cancer.
- Removal of Visible Cancer: The surgeon removes the portion of the cancer and a thin layer of surrounding tissue. This step is done carefully to remove as little healthy tissue as possible.
- Lab Analysis: The removed tissue is then taken to an on-site lab and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. The tissue is processed and examined to determine if cancer cells are present at the margins (edges) of the removed tissue.
- Additional Tissue Removal (if necessary): If cancer cells are found at the margins, the surgeon removes another layer of tissue from the area where the cancer is still present.
- Only the area where cancer cells remain is targeted, preserving more healthy tissue.
- Repeat Lab Analysis: This additional tissue is again analyzed in the lab. The process of removing a layer of tissue and examining it is repeated until no cancer cells are found at the tissue margins.
- Wound Management: Once cancer has been completely removed, the surgeon will assess the wound and decide on the best healing method. Options include:
- Closing the wound with stitches.
- Using a skin flap or graft to cover larger wounds.
Book your appointment with Dr Frank Conroy
Experience expert care with Dr Frank Conroy, a specialist renowned for his compassionate approach and proficiency in advanced treatments for skin cancer via Mohs Surgery in Dubai.
Whether you’re seeking consultation for skin concerns, require a detailed skin examination, or need a surgical procedure such as Mohs surgery for skin cancer, Dr Conroy’s clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a supportive team to ensure you receive the highest standard of care in Dubai for Mohs Surgery..
FAQs
Mohs surgery is a highly effective surgical procedure primarily used for treating skin cancers, especially basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It involves precise layer-by-layer removal of cancerous tissue, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It’s known for its high cure rate.
Healing time after Mohs surgery varies based on the surgery’s extent and location. Typically, initial wound healing takes 5-7 days. However, complete healing and scar maturation might take up to a year, especially for larger or more complex excisions.
During the procedure, discomfort is typically minimized with local anesthesia. Post-surgery, patients may experience mild pain, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medication if necessary.