The success rate and recurrence rate of Mohs surgery for skin cancer are unparalleled. Both basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, which are the most prevalent kinds of skin cancer, respond well to the therapy. Mohs surgery, especially in Chevy Chase Mohs surgery, is being used successfully by certain surgeons to treat melanoma.
You will have to wait between the stages of surgery and lab tests. Thus, the maximum number of malignant cells can be removed, healthy tissue is preserved, and the resulting scar is as tiny as feasible.
Know this before undergoing Mohs surgery!
The following are considerations to make before undergoing Mohs surgery:
- Give the surgeon ample time to review your medical records, including a list of all the drugs and supplements you currently use. In some cases, your current health status will dictate whether or not you need to discontinue taking a drug before surgery.
- Inquire about post-operative care with your doctor in advance of your scheduled appointment. You may require assistance getting home, or you may not want to risk your freshly stitched wounds by using the stairs. In addition, you can gather all the materials you will need at home before beginning the procedure. After surgery, the last thing anyone wants to do is hurry out and buy gauze or an ointment.
- Get in the waiting mindset. You should free up your entire day for your Mohs surgical procedure, as it is performed in phases and includes on-site laboratory testing. The time required cannot be predicted with any accuracy. You may expect to spend at least an hour or two waiting in the office, and possibly more if the first stage results are not negative for cancer. Do not forget to pack a book, a snack, some water, and a charger for your phone.
- You should know that side effects are possible. You may experience some bleeding during surgery and some bruising and swelling afterward, especially in the face and scalp. Injection site redness, irritation, or swelling are possible side effects of lidocaine, the common local anesthetic utilized by Mohs surgeons. Fast heart rates, shakiness, and dizziness are all symptoms that some patients report experiencing during surgery.
- Know who to call (and how to reach them) if you have questions or concerns about your wounds beyond office hours before you leave. You can calm down and feel at ease once you know what to do.
