What To Expect

The Mohs surgery procedure takes place in an office using a local anesthetic to numb the area completely. After the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon begins to remove thin layers of skin one layer at a time with a scaple in the shape of a saucer, which are then marked with colored dyes and mapped. Although some cancers may appear realtively small on the surface of the skin, they may be more deeply rooted in the lower levels of the skin with extensive growth several skin layers below. Other cancers may be shallow and require only a small excision of the surface area.

After the excision, the sample is frozen, sliced into very thin sections and processed onto glass slides by a Mohs histotechnician. The Mohs surgeon then examines the slides under the microscope to discover the extent of the skin cancer and identify microscopic roots. If tumor cells remain in any of the margins, the map is used to remove an additional tissue layer precisely at the area where cancer remains. This procedure continues until the tissue is cancer-free and allows normal, healthy, surrounding tissue to be spared.

After the skin cancer has been removed, repairing the site of the skin cancer using reconstructive surgery can often be performed on the same day.

The surgeon will dress the wound and provide care instructions. This may include a topical ointment, medication or special care instructions to reduce the risk of infection.

1651 Rock Prairie Road Suite #103
College Station, Texas 77845
(979) 314-5400