Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is very useful and may be recommended for the following situations:
- When the size or extent of the skin cancer cannot be defined easily.
- When the cancer is in a place, such as the nose, eyelids, lips or ears, where it is desirable to spare as much of the normal skin as possible.
- When the cancer returns after being treated.
- When the cancer is large.
Goals of Mohs surgery with Dr. Perrotto:
- Complete removal of the tumor.
- Reconstruction of the surgical wound so as to optimize the aesthetic result.
- Keep the surgical wound as small as possible given the size of the tumor.
Before Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Get a good night’s rest and eat a normal breakfast (unless your reconstruction is scheduled with a plastic surgeon, and they have requested that you not eat prior to surgery). Take your usual medications unless directed otherwise at the time of consultation. Should you be on an anticoagulant medication, such as aspirin, Plavix or Coumadin, we request that you follow the instructions given to you at the time of consultation. Do not stop any of these medicines without the prior approval of your primary care physician or cardiologist. If you take aspirin or Advil-type medications for pain or arthritis, you may substitute Tylenol. Tylenol does not affect bleeding as both aspirin and Advil do.
If you have been advised in the past to take antibiotics before a surgical procedure, such as dental work, please adhere to the prescription instructions before your Mohs surgery appointment.
Shampoo your hair the night before surgery, as your wound and initial dressing may have to remain dry for 24 hours or longer. The length of time of the procedure varies depending on the size and location of the skin cancer and the type of reconstruction to be done. Although the average length of time is two to four hours, you should plan on spending much of the day in our office. We ask that you limit the number of people accompanying you to one because of the limited space in our waiting room. There is time spent waiting for the layers to be processed, so please bring a book or handiwork to keep you busy.
The Day of Surgery
Appointments for surgery are scheduled throughout the day. It is a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid “pullover” clothing. Also, if the operative site is on the face, please do not wear makeup on or around the area. We will obtain your written consent for the procedure and photographs will be taken. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask them at this time.
The area surrounding the skin cancer will be cleansed with an antibacterial soap. The visible tumor will be marked, and then we will then anesthetize (numb) the area of skin containing the cancer by a small local injection. This injection will probably be similar to the one you received for your biopsy. We will be as gentle as we can when administering this. It usually takes 15 minutes to anesthetize the involved area and surgically excise the tissue with a scalpel. After the tissue has been removed, it will be processed in our office laboratory.
Depending upon the amount of tissue removed, processing usually takes an additional 30-60 minutes or more. Your wound will be bandaged, and you will move to the waiting room while the tissue is processed, stained and examined by Dr. Perrotto. If the microscopic examination of the removed tissue reveals the presence of additional tumor cells, we will go back and remove more tissue. The Mohs technique allows us to precisely map out where the roots of the cancer remain. Most skin cancers are removed in one to three surgical stages. Rarely, the “roots” of the tumor can extend far from the biopsy site, and many layers may be needed to remove the cancer.
Reconstruction
After the skin cancer has been completely removed, a decision is made on the best method for treating the wound created by the surgery. These methods include letting the wound heal by itself, closing the wound in a side-to-side fashion with stitches, and closing the wound with a skin graft or a flap. In most cases, the best method is determined on an individual basis after the final defect is known. Many of the wound closures are performed in our office. However, other surgical specialists may be utilized for their unique skills if necessary. We individualize your treatment to achieve the best results.
When the reconstruction is completed by other surgical specialists, that reconstruction may take place on the same day or on a subsequent day. If the reconstruction is to be extensive, that portion of the operation may require hospitalization. This is the exception rather than the rule, as most wounds are repaired immediately in our office while the site is still anesthetized.
After Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Your surgical wound will require care during the weeks following surgery. Detailed written instructions will be provided. You should plan on wearing a bandage and avoiding strenuous physical activity for at least a week. Stitches are removed from seven to 28 days after surgery, depending on the type of reconstruction performed. Most of our patients report minimal pain, which responds readily to Tylenol. You may experience a sensation of tightness across the area of surgery. Skin cancers frequently involve nerves, and months may pass before your skin sensation returns to normal. In rare instances, the numbness may be permanent. You may also experience itching after your wound has healed. Complete healing of the surgical scar takes place over 12 months. Especially during the first few months, the site may feel thick, swollen or lumpy, and there may be some redness.
A follow-up period is necessary after the wound has healed. You will be asked to return so we can assess how you are healing following the procedure. Studies have also shown that once you develop a skin cancer, there is a strong possibility of developing other skin cancers in the future. Should you notice any suspicious areas, it is best to check with your dermatologist for a complete skin evaluation. You are reminded to return to your dermatologist on a frequent basis for continued surveillance of your skin.
Sometimes the buried sutures may work their way up to the surface of the skin, creating crusted areas along the suture line. This can occur anytime from two weeks to a few months postop. Should this occur, please call us for an appointment as this can be easily addressed by us.
Risks of Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Because each patient is unique, it is impossible to discuss all the possible complications and risks in this format. The usual risks are discussed below. Dr. Perrotto will discuss any additional problems associated with your particular case. Please understand that these occurrences are the exception and not the rule.
- The defect created by the removal of the skin cancer may be larger than anticipated. There is no way to predict prior to surgery the exact size of the final defect.
- There will be a scar at the site of the removal. We will make every effort to obtain optimal cosmetic results, but our primary goal is to remove the entire tumor. Again, Mohs surgery will leave you with the smallest wound, thus creating the best opportunity for optimal cosmetic results.
- There may be poor wound healing. At times, despite our best efforts, for various reasons (such as bleeding, poor physical condition, smoking, diabetes or other diseases), healing is slow or the wound may reopen. Flaps and grafts utilized to repair the defect may, at times, fail. Under these circumstances, the wound will usually be left to heal on its own.
- There may be a loss of motor (muscle) or sensory (feeling) nerve function. Rarely, the tumor invades nerve fibers. When this is the case, the nerves must be removed along with the tumor. Prior to your surgery, the doctor will discuss with you any major nerves that might be near your tumor.
- Since the tumor may be near or involving a vital structure, such as the eyelids, nose or lips, portions of the structure may have to be removed. This can result in functional or cosmetic deformities.
- There may be excessive bleeding from the wound. Such bleeding can usually be controlled during surgery. There may also be bleeding after surgery; bleeding under a sutured graft or flap may inhibit wound healing.
- There may be an adverse reaction to medications used. We will carefully screen you for any history of problems with medications; however, new reactions to medications may occur.
- There is a small chance that your tumor may regrow after surgery. Previously treated tumors and large, longstanding tumors have the greatest chance for recurrence.
- Rarely, wounds become infected and require antibiotic treatment. If you are at particular risk for infection, you may be given an antibiotic prior to surgery.
- In some instances, the organism causing the infection can be resistant to standard antibiotics, necessitating consultation with an infectious disease specialist and intravenous medication.
Important Reminders
Do:
- Advise us as soon as possible if you must cancel or change your appointment. At least 72 hours’ notice is appreciated.
- Plan on spending anywhere from two to six or more hours with us during your surgery.
- Get a good night’s sleep prior to surgery
- Take your usual medications on schedule unless instructed otherwise. Should you be on anticoagulation medication, such as aspirin, Plavix or Coumadin, we request that you follow the instructions given to you at the time of consultation.
- Dress comfortably. Wear a button-up top and avoid pullover shirts. Bring a sweater – the office can be cool.
- Bring something to read and a light snack.
- Eat a normal breakfast (unless your reconstruction is scheduled with a plastic surgeon and they have requested that you not eat prior to surgery).
- Let our staff know if you take Coumadin, antibiotics before dental work, aspirin or aspirin-like medicines.
- Expect some swelling and bruising following surgery, especially when it is performed around the eyes. Those conditions typically subside within four or five days, and may be decreased by sleeping with the head slightly elevated and using an ice pack for short periods of time during the first 24 hours.
- Take it easy for the week after surgery. Bending over and/or lifting heavy objects can increase the risk of postoperative bleeding.
- Expect some numbness around the surgical site, which can take six months or more to return to normal.
- Detailed postoperative care instructions will be given to you after surgery. Expect that you will have sutures placed to close the wound. These sutures will need to be removed by Dr. Perrotto anywhere from one to four weeks postop. Please check with us regarding the scheduling of this follow-up visit if you have upcoming travel plans.
- Follow up with your general dermatologist for skin checks every three to 12 months.
Do not:
- Some herbal compounds can increase the risk of bleeding. These include, but are not limited to, vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo, ginger, feverfew and ginseng. Please discontinue these supplements at least two weeks prior to your surgery. You may restart them 72 hours after surgery.
- DO NOT consume alcohol 24 hours prior to, or 48 hours after surgery. It can increase the risk of bleeding.
- DO NOT use topical numbing creams, such as EMLA or ELA Max, on the surgical site the day of surgery. These products can make it difficult to detect the borders of the tumor.
- DO NOT wear makeup if you are having surgery on your face.
- DO NOT submerge the surgical site while the stitches are in. Swimming in a pool or the ocean, or sitting in a hot tub increase the risk of a postoperative wound infection.
