Mohs Surgery (cont.)
What areas are treatable by Mohs surgery?
Mohs is used primarily for the
treatment of head and neck basal and squamous cell skin cancers. It is
particularly useful for skin cancers in difficult areas such as nose, lips,
ears, and genitals.
It is also used on hands and feet where there is not a lot of extra tissue
for bigger surgical removals. Mohs is very effective for the treatment of
recurrent tumors (tumors that were previously removed and have regrown at the
same site). However, depending on the specific patient and tumor type, any area
of the body may be treated by Mohs surgery.
What are possible complications of Mohs?
As with any surgery or procedure,
Mohs is associated with possible risks and complications. While it is overall a
very safe and effective minor surgical treatment, there are some possible
uncommon complications. Since a scar usually forms anytime you cut the skin,
most patients understand and can expect some type of a scar after skin-cancer
removal.
Possible risks and complications of Mohs include (but are not limited to)
bleeding, bruising, wound infection, pain, unsightly scar, keloid (raised, thick
scar), cosmetic disfigurement, skin discoloration, nerve damage, allergic
reactions, pain, reaction to local anesthesia, widened or sunken in (depressed)
scar, wound opening (dehiscence) and splitting or retained stitches, cancer
recurrence, need for further surgery or treatment including radiation or plastic
surgery, and rarely death.
Minor, serious, or life-threatening reactions can occur with the use of
anesthetics or with medications given before, after, or during surgery. Nerves
controlling muscle movement, sensation, or other functions may be damaged. This
nerve damage may be permanent. Overall, most patients tolerate the minor surgery
very well without any complications.
Next: What is reconstruction? Will I have a scar? »
- Plastic Surgery (Cosmetic Surgery) - Plastic surgery is becoming more popular for people of all ages. Plastic or cosmetic surgery may give you a sense of well-being and self-confidence.
- Skin Cancer - Learn the types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma), their causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention techniques. Get the facts about sun exposure and sunscreen.
- Melanoma - Get information on melanoma signs, diagnosis, staging, prognosis and symptoms. Learn about early detection, treatment side effects, prevention and see pictures of this form of skin cancer.
Latest Medical News
Cancer RSS