Understanding Mohs Surgery: What to Expect During the Procedure

Make arrangements for Mohs surgery in Tucson, AZ, by consulting Dr. Ronald Mann of Catalina Dermatology.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Any form of cancer must be treated with great urgency. Even if skin cancer doesn’t seem as intimidating as diseases that affect the lungs or the pancreas, you should know that it remains quite deadly. You should address that condition as soon as possible, and Mohs surgery may be the solution you need.

For those unfamiliar with Mohs surgery, this procedure involves cutting away layers of the skin to eliminate cancer. After administering anesthesia, the doctor will use a scalpel to slice off a thin layer of skin that contains cancer cells. He will then examine that sample to check where the cancer is located and identify where he needs to cut next.

Your dermatologist will continue slicing off skin layers until the tissue sample he examines shows no disease traces. 

Many patients prefer using Mohs surgery to treat skin cancer because it targets cancer cells directly. You can expect a full recovery since all the cancer cells are removed. The manifestation of cancer removed through Mohs surgery will not return.

The precision of Mohs surgery is also a huge advantage. You don’t have to worry about Mohs surgery affecting your appearance that much because it minimizes tissue damage. This procedure is also completed in one day. It is an ideal solution to treat your skin cancer as soon as possible.

Partner with Dr. Mann of Catalina Dermatology and set your plans for Mohs surgery in Tucson.

How Should You Prepare for Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a fairly unique form of treatment for skin cancer, so you must be clear on what preparations are necessary.

First off, you should reserve your entire day for Mohs surgery. Although this procedure can often be completed in around four hours, you cannot bank on that timeline for your case. If your cancer is bigger than what the doctor initially estimated, you may have to stay in the surgical area for several hours.

Patients can engage in some activities while the doctor analyzes their tissue samples. They can eat, use the restroom, or read, but they must remain in the designated area.

Learning to change bandages is also necessary if you are planning to undergo Mohs surgery. Bandages will be used to cover your wound from the procedure, and it may take a while to heal.

Entrust your Mohs surgery to Dr. Mann of Catalina Dermatology. Dial 520-529-8883 to reach their Tucson office, 520-426-3658, or 520-479-1881 for their Vail, AZ, clinic.