Mohs' Surgery

What is Mohs’ Surgery?

This is a type of surgery used to treat some kinds of skin cancer. It is named after Doctor Frederic Mohs who first performed this procedure in the 1930’s. It is a very specialised way of removing a cancer, while causing as little damage as possible to the normal skin. A specially trained dermatologist performs the operation. It is carried out in the outpatient department at Ross Hall Hospital.

 

Before your surgery

It is important to let the dermatologist know what medicines you are taking and if you have any allergies. If you are taking any drugs which thin the blood, such as warfarin, you will need a blood test at least a week before the MMS is carried out. Your GP should be able to do this for you. The result will be needed before the MMS can be started.

The doctor or specialist nurse will tell you about the treatment and possible side effects. You will have the chance to ask any questions. You will then be asked to sign a form giving your consent to the treatment.

 

On the day

You will normally be asked to attend the outpatient department at 8am. If getting to the hospital is going to be a problem for you, let the staff know as soon as possible. You should not wear any creams or makeup on the area that has to be treated. It is fine to have breakfast beforehand. You should also take your regular medicines unless the doctor has told you not to. The procedure is carried out under a local anaesthetic. You do not require a general anaesthetic or sedative. The procedure can take a few hours to complete and you may wish to bring a book or magazine with you.

 

What the procedure involves

• You will be asked to lie on a couch with a strong light above you.
• The doctor will outline the area to be removed with a marker pen.
• The skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic liquid which will feel cold.
• Local anaesthetic will be injected to numb the area, this is likely to sting a little.
• Once the anaesthetic has taken effect (several minutes) the doctor will use a surgical blade to remove the visible part of the tumour and a small margin round about it.
• A dressing will be applied and you will be asked to sit in the waiting room.
• The tissue which was removed will be examined under a microscope by the dermatologist.
• If any cancer cells are found in the margins of the tissue, the removal process will be repeated in the same way until the margins of the tissue removed are clear of any cancer cells.