line will generally give you the best cosmetic and functional result . Three weeks after surgery, a thick or bumpy scar line can be improved with gentle massage performed for 2 minutes, 2 times daily for 2 months. Follow-Up Care After you have a skin cancer, there is a 50% chance that you will develop a second skin cancer within 5 years. After a diagnosis of skin cancer, your provider recommends that you see a dermatologist at least once per year for 3-5 years following Mohs surgery. Frequently Asked Questions I don't see anything after my biopsy. Do I really need to be treated? Yes. Following a biopsy, your skin cancer may no longer be visible. However, the surface lesion that was removed can represent the "tip of the iceberg." More tumor cells may remain in the skin. These can continue to grow downward and outward, like roots of a tree. These "roots" are not visible with the naked eye. If they are not removed, the tumor will likely reappear and require more extensive surgery (see examples of cited studies below). Tumors that are neglected can spread deeply into the skin and invade nearby structures. On rare occasions, these cancerous cells can metastasize to lymph nodes and other organs in the body. Why does my skin cancer need to have Mohs surgery? Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate. It is appropriate for most skin cancers and especially suitable for skin cancer that: •Is in an area where it is important to preserve healthy tissue •Was treated previously and has come back •Is located near scar tissue •Is large •Does not have clearly defined edges •Is growing rapidly or uncontrollably •Is of an aggressive subtype (i.e., morphoeic or infiltrating basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma) •Develops in organ transplant or lymphoma patients Key Points 4. Eat a normal breakfast or lunch before your appointment unless otherwise specified. 5. Bring a book or something to pass the time while you are in the Mohs waiting room waiting 6. Please plan on spending 4 hours in our office . • Although most patients are generally clear and ready to leave well before 4 hours, we cannot predict the extent of your skin cancer’s roots until we begin surgery. 7. Have a driver escort you after the procedure if needed. 8. You can purchase bandage materials in our office or at your local pharmacy. 9. For convenience, we sell bandage materials at our cost to make them readily available to you . 1. The night before your surgery, bathe & cleanse the skin. 2. The night before your surgery, get a good night’s sleep . 3. Take your normal medications, unless otherwise specified.
10. No bending over at the waist for 2 days. 11. Limited activity for 7 days after surgery. 12. Plan to return in 7 days for suture removal.
Our providers and their staff aim to provide the best experience possible for you on your day of surgery. Although we operate on critical and cosmetically sensitive areas every day, we realize that you don’t have surgery every day and any surgery can create anxiety. This educational information is intended to help you understand what to expect on the day of your surgery and help your day go very smoothly.
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