Have questions about Mohs surgery? 

If you or someone you love has just been diagnosed with melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer, our Batavia, IL, dermatologist Dr. Sharon Horton may have recommended Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery has certainly become the gold standard for removing cancerous lesions from the skin. To learn more about getting Mohs surgery from our team here at Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this surgical procedure.

What is Mohs surgery? 

During Mohs surgery, our Batavia, IL, dermatologists will remove a cancerous lesion layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope before removing more. Through microscopic examination, we can detect where the cancer cells are, which reduces the amount of healthy tissue that is removed during the procedure.

Before surgery, local anesthesia will be injected into the skin to alleviate discomfort. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, we will remove the first layer of cancer. This layer is then examined under a microscope to check for cancerous cells. Then another layer is removed and examined. We will continue to remove layers of tissue until there are no cancer cells present.

When is Mohs surgery recommended? 

There are many instances in which this type of procedure is appropriate for removing skin cancer including,

• Cancer that is growing rapidly
• Cancer that is more than likely to return
• Cancer that is in more visible and delicate areas such as the ears or nose
• Childhood skin cancer
• Cancer that is likely to spread

How long does Mohs surgery take? 

The procedure can take anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on the extent of cancer. While it only takes a few minutes to remove cancer, our team will need to examine the cells under a microscope to determine if more tissue needs to be removed or if cancer has been fully removed. This procedure takes time, but it’s one of the most effective ways to remove skin cancer.

What is the recovery period after my surgery? 

Everyone’s recovery time is a bit different, depending on how extensive their surgery was. The average recovery period can take anywhere from two to four weeks for the wound to complete heal. Our dermatologists will provide you with detailed instructions about how to care for and bandage the wound.

Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery provides a full spectrum of dermatology services in Batavia, IL, while also serving Wheaton, Elgin, Dekalb, Naperville, Aurora, St. Charles, IL. To schedule a consultation with our team, or to learn more about Mohs surgery, call us at (630) 482-3700.