All you need to know about Mohs surgery

Mohs surgery is an extremely effective surgical procedure when it comes to extracting skin tissue and removing skin cancer in patients suffering from it.

In our latest article, revered consultant dermatologist, Dr Jibu Varghese, outlines the main advantages and disadvantages of the surgery, whilst also revealing how safe it is, and how long it generally lasts.

What is Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is perhaps one of the best ways to ensure that we remove skin cancer completely. It is a very useful technique that is both diagnostic and therapeutic. It is a very precise surgical technique that is used to treat various skin cancers.

The advantage for the patient is that, by performing this surgery, we can ensure that the skin cancer can be completely removed on the same day.

What can be expected from this procedure?

We can reassure our patients that this is a gold-standard procedure when it comes to treating skin cancer.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Mohs surgery?

The main advantage of the surgery is that there is a 99 per cent skin cancer cure rate. Another main advantage is that the possibility of a skin cancer recurrence is very low. The main and only disadvantage would be that it is quite a long day for the patient undergoing Mohs surgery to remove their skin cancer.

How long does Mohs surgery usually take?

It generally lasts between two to three hours. Sometimes, however, if the tumour is very big, deep-rooted, and complex, this surgery could then even last a whole day.

Is Mohs surgery safe?

It is a very safe surgical procedure as it is performed in stages. It is an extremely precise kind of surgery, where only visible skin cancer is removed with 2-3mmm of margin, and further stage excision is carried out after examination of the tissue under a microscope. This technique will help accurate excision of the skin, and, in doing so, will help prevent further recurrence. 

Dr Jibu Varghese is a highly experienced, esteemed, and skilled consultant dermatologist who specialises in performing Mohs surgery in order to effectively treat skin cancers. If you are concerned about the health of your skin, make sure you visit his Top Doctors profile today to book an appointment with him.