Mohs Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
After my biopsy, I don’t see anything. Do I still need to be treated?
Yes. After a biopsy, the affected skin cancer may no longer be visible. Yet, the removed surface lesion can mean there is more under the surface. Additional tumor cells may remain in the skin. Sometimes the cells will grow downward and outward, like the roots of a tree. These cells may not be visible to the naked eye, but if they are not removed, the tumor will likely reappear. This will then require more extensive surgery.
Neglected tumors can spread deep into the skin and intrude on nearby structures. In rare events, the cancerous cells can metastasize to lymph nodes and other organs in the body.
How long does Mohs surgery take?
Most Mohs surgery procedures last a few hours, while larger cases can take most of the day. A consultation with one of our Mohs surgeons before your surgery will allow the surgeon to understand the uniqueness of your situation to give a more clear estimate of the timeframe for the surgery.
Will Mohs surgery leave a scar?
Yes. Mohs surgery will leave a scar, as will any treatment for skin cancer. Once your skin cancer is removed, reconstruction for optimizing function and cosmetics becomes the highest focus. A post-surgical scar usually improves with time.
Is Mohs surgery the most cost-effective treatment option?
The most significant benefit of Mohs surgery is the high success rate, while usually only requiring only one surgery. The repair of the wound is included as well. Other treatments may require additional surgeries and pathology readings to repair the wound and treat cancer if it is not completely removed.
More Questions
Do you have any other questions about Mohs surgery? Give us a call at (541) 382-8819 or send us your question through our contact form here.
For additional Mohs surgery research visit the Mohs Surgery – Skin Cancer Foundation page.