What is Mohs surgery. How effective is Mohs surgery for treating skin cancer. Who performs Mohs surgery. What are the advantages of Mohs surgery. What happens during Mohs surgery. Is Mohs surgery right for you. How does Mohs surgery compare to other skin cancer treatments.

Understanding Mohs Surgery: A Revolutionary Skin Cancer Treatment

Mohs surgery stands as a pinnacle achievement in dermatological oncology, offering unparalleled precision in the treatment of common skin cancers. This innovative procedure, developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in the late 1930s, has evolved into the most effective technique for treating basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).

Originally termed “chemosurgery,” the technique remained relatively obscure until the mid-1960s when Dr. Perry Robins recognized its potential for dermatology. Dr. Robins established the first fellowship training program at NYU, propelling Mohs surgery into the spotlight and advancing it to its current form.

The Evolution of Mohs Surgery

How did Mohs surgery transform from a little-known technique to the gold standard in skin cancer treatment? The journey began with Dr. Mohs’ innovative approach, but it was Dr. Robins who truly catapulted the procedure into prominence. By establishing a formal training program and promoting the technique worldwide, Dr. Robins ensured that Mohs surgery would become an integral part of dermatological practice.

The Mohs Surgeon: A Triple Threat in Skin Cancer Treatment

A Mohs surgeon is a medical professional who wears multiple hats during the procedure. These specialists are trained to fulfill three crucial roles:

• Surgeon: Removing the cancerous tissue with precision
• Pathologist: Analyzing lab specimens in real-time
• Reconstructive surgeon: Closing or reconstructing the wound

This unique combination of skills allows for a seamless, efficient procedure that maximizes the chances of complete cancer removal while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

The Importance of Specialized Training

Why is specialized training so crucial for Mohs surgeons? The intricate nature of the procedure demands a deep understanding of dermatology, pathology, and surgical techniques. Mohs surgeons must be adept at identifying cancerous cells under a microscope, mapping tumor margins, and performing delicate reconstructive procedures. This comprehensive skill set ensures that patients receive the highest quality care throughout the entire treatment process.

Advantages of Mohs Surgery: Precision, Efficiency, and Efficacy

Mohs surgery offers numerous advantages over traditional skin cancer treatments, making it the preferred choice for many patients and dermatologists alike:

1. Efficient and cost-effective treatment
2. Single-visit outpatient surgery
3. Use of local anesthesia
4. On-site lab work for immediate results
5. Precise removal of cancerous tissue
6. Preservation of healthy tissue
7. Minimal scarring
8. Exceptionally high cure rates

Unparalleled Cure Rates

Can Mohs surgery really achieve such high cure rates? Indeed, the statistics are impressive. For skin cancers that have not been previously treated, Mohs surgery boasts a cure rate of up to 99%. Even for recurrent skin cancers that have failed other treatments, the success rate remains high at up to 94%. These remarkable figures underscore the effectiveness of the Mohs technique in eradicating skin cancer while preserving healthy tissue.

The Mohs Surgery Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mohs surgery is a meticulous process that unfolds in stages, all performed in a single visit. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what patients can expect during the procedure:

Step 1: Examination and Preparation

The surgeon begins by examining the biopsy site, marking it for reference if necessary. The patient is positioned for optimal access, and local anesthesia is administered to numb the area completely.

Step 2: Initial Tissue Removal

Using a scalpel, the surgeon removes a thin layer of visible cancerous tissue. This initial excision targets the apparent tumor, but further analysis is needed to ensure complete removal.

Step 3: Laboratory Analysis

The removed tissue is meticulously prepared for microscopic examination. It’s divided into sections, color-coded, and mapped for precise orientation. Thin slices are then prepared and mounted on microscope slides.

Step 4: Microscopic Examination

The surgeon carefully examines the prepared slides under a microscope, checking for any remaining cancer cells. If cancer is detected, its location is marked on the map for further excision.

Step 5: Additional Layer Removal (if necessary)

If cancer cells are found, the surgeon removes another precise layer of tissue from the affected area. This process is repeated until no cancer cells remain.

Step 6: Wound Repair

Once the site is clear of cancer, the wound is either left to heal naturally or closed with stitches, depending on its size and location. In some cases, more complex reconstruction techniques may be employed.

Is Mohs Surgery Right for You? Determining Candidacy

While Mohs surgery is highly effective, it may not be the best option for every skin cancer case. Factors that influence the decision to use Mohs surgery include:

• Type of skin cancer
• Size and location of the tumor
• Whether the cancer is primary or recurrent
• Patient’s overall health and medical history

Consulting with a dermatologist or Mohs surgeon is crucial in determining whether this procedure is the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation.

Ideal Candidates for Mohs Surgery

Who benefits most from Mohs surgery? This procedure is particularly well-suited for patients with:

• Skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas (face, neck, hands)
• Large or aggressive tumors
• Tumors with ill-defined borders
• Recurrent skin cancers
• Skin cancers in areas with limited tissue (such as around the eyes, ears, or genitals)

Comparing Mohs Surgery to Other Skin Cancer Treatments

To truly appreciate the value of Mohs surgery, it’s essential to understand how it compares to other skin cancer treatments:

Mohs Surgery vs. Standard Excision

Standard excision involves removing the visible tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue. While effective for many skin cancers, it lacks the precision of Mohs surgery and may result in larger scars or incomplete removal of cancer cells.

Mohs Surgery vs. Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery uses extreme cold to destroy cancer cells. While less invasive, it’s not as precise as Mohs surgery and may be less effective for larger or more aggressive tumors.

Mohs Surgery vs. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy can be effective for certain skin cancers but typically requires multiple treatments and may have more significant side effects compared to Mohs surgery.

The Future of Mohs Surgery: Advancements and Innovations

As medical technology continues to advance, Mohs surgery is poised to become even more effective and efficient. Some potential areas of innovation include:

• Improved imaging techniques for better tumor mapping
• Enhanced reconstructive procedures for improved cosmetic outcomes
• Integration of artificial intelligence for faster and more accurate pathology analysis
• Development of less invasive techniques for early-stage skin cancers

These advancements promise to further cement Mohs surgery’s position as the gold standard in skin cancer treatment, offering patients even better outcomes and experiences in the future.

The Role of Telemedicine in Mohs Surgery

How might telemedicine impact the future of Mohs surgery? While the procedure itself requires in-person care, telemedicine could play a significant role in pre- and post-operative consultations, follow-up care, and patient education. This could improve access to specialized care for patients in remote areas and streamline the overall treatment process.

Patient Experiences: Real-Life Stories of Mohs Surgery Success

To truly understand the impact of Mohs surgery, it’s valuable to consider the experiences of those who have undergone the procedure. Many patients report high levels of satisfaction with both the process and the results:

“I was nervous about having surgery on my face, but my Mohs surgeon was incredibly skilled and compassionate. The scar is barely noticeable, and I feel so relieved to be cancer-free.” – Sarah T., 52

“After two failed attempts to remove my skin cancer with standard excision, Mohs surgery finally did the trick. I wish I had known about it sooner!” – Michael R., 68

These testimonials highlight the life-changing impact that Mohs surgery can have, not only in terms of cancer treatment but also in preserving patients’ quality of life and self-confidence.

Managing Expectations and Recovery

While Mohs surgery is generally well-tolerated, it’s important for patients to have realistic expectations about the recovery process. Most people can return to normal activities within a few days, but complete healing may take several weeks. Following post-operative care instructions carefully is crucial for optimal results and minimal scarring.

Mohs Surgery – The Skin Cancer Foundation

Mohs surgery is considered the most effective technique for treating many basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), the two most common types of skin cancer. Sometimes called Mohs micrographic surgery, the procedure is done in stages, including lab work, while the patient waits. This allows the removal of all cancerous cells for the highest cure rate while sparing healthy tissue and leaving the smallest possible scar.

It began as a technique called chemosurgery, developed by Frederic E. Mohs, MD, in the late 1930s, but was not widely known. In the mid 1960s, Perry Robins, MD, studied the procedure with Dr. Mohs, and recognized that it had great potential for the field of dermatology. He brought the technique to NYU, where he established the first fellowship training program to teach dermatologists this skin cancer surgery. Dr. Robins helped advance the procedure into what is now called Mohs surgery and went on to teach and promote it around the world.

• Who performs the procedure
• Advantages of Mohs surgery
• What happens during Mohs surgery
• Is Mohs right for me?

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The Advantage of Mohs

CURE RATE
for a skin cancer that has not been treated before

Who performs the procedure?

Mohs surgery is performed by doctors who are specially trained to fulfill three roles:

1. as the surgeon who removes the cancerous tissue
2. as the pathologist who analyzes the lab specimens
3. as the surgeon who closes or reconstructs the wound

Advantages of Mohs surgery

Efficient, cost-effective treatment

• Single-visit outpatient surgery
• Local anesthesia
• Lab work done on-site

Precise results

• Physician examines 100% of tumor margins
• Spares healthy tissue
• Leaves the smallest scar possible

The highest cure rate

• Up to 99% for a skin cancer that has not been treated before
• Up to 94% for a skin cancer that has recurred after previous treatment

What happens during Mohs surgery

The procedure is done in stages, all in one visit, while the patient waits between each stage. After removing a layer of tissue, the surgeon examines it under a microscope in an on-site lab. If any cancer cells remain, the surgeon knows the exact area where they are and removes another layer of tissue from that precise location, while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. The doctor repeats this process until no cancer cells remain.

Step 1: Examination and prep

Depending on the location of your skin cancer, you may be able to wear your street clothes, or you may need to put on a hospital gown. The Mohs surgeon examines the spot where you had your biopsy and may mark it with a pen for reference. The doctor positions you for best access, which may mean sitting up or lying down. A surgical drape is placed over the area. If your skin cancer is on your face, that may mean you can’t see what’s happening, but the doctor talks you through it. The surgeon then injects a local anesthesia, which numbs the area completely. You stay awake throughout the procedure.

Step 2: Top layer removal

Using a scalpel, the surgeon removes a thin layer of visible cancerous tissue. Some skin cancers may be “the tip of the iceberg,” meaning they have roots or extensions that aren’t visible from the surface. The lab analysis, which comes next, will determine that. Your wound is bandaged temporarily and you can relax while the lab work begins.

Step 3: Lab analysis

The surgeon cuts the tissue into sections, color codes them with dyes and draws a map of the surgical site. In the lab, a technician freezes the divided tissue, then cuts very thin horizontal slices like a layer cake. The slices are placed on microscope slides, stained and covered. This meticulous process takes time.

Step 4: Microscopic examination

Using a microscope, the surgeon examines all the edges and underside of the tissue on the slides and, if any cancer cells remain, marks their location on the map. The physician then lets you know whether you need another layer of tissue removed.

Step 5: Second layer removal

Back in the operating room, the surgeon injects more anesthesia if needed and removes another layer of skin, precisely where the cancer cells remain, based on the map. Then, while you wait, the lab work begins again. This entire process is repeated as many times as needed until there are no more cancer cells.

Step 6: Wound repair

Once the site is clear of all cancer cells, the wound may be left open to heal or the surgeon may close it with stitches. This depends on its size and location. In some cases, a wound may need reconstruction with a skin flap, where neighboring tissue is moved into the wound, or possibly a skin graft. In some cases, your Mohs surgeon may coordinate the repair of your wound with another specialist such as a plastic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon or hand surgeon. In most instances, however, the Mohs surgeon will repair the wound immediately after obtaining clear margins.

Step 7: Finishing up

If more than one or two rounds are needed, the entire process can take up to several hours, so be prepared for that. It’s worth it, though, because this precise technique has the highest cure rate of any treatment method and can save the greatest amount of healthy tissue, leaving the smallest scar possible. Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions for wound care, scar care and follow-up to achieve the best outcome.

Is Mohs right for me?

Mohs surgery is the gold standard for treating many basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), including those in cosmetically and functionally important areas around the eyes, nose, lips, ears, scalp, fingers, toes or genitals. Mohs is also recommended for BCCs or SCCs that are large, aggressive or growing rapidly, that have indistinct edges, or have recurred after previous treatment. Some surgeons are also successfully using Mohs surgery on certain cases of melanoma.

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Mohs: The Gold Standard – The Skin Cancer Foundation

By Arielle N.

B. Kauvar, MD

Mohs surgery is on the rise, for good reasons: It has the lowest recurrence rates, highest cure rates and best cosmetic results of any skin cancer treatment. A physician member of The Skin Cancer Foundation explains why Mohs has it all.

Lifesaving new medications for people with advanced melanoma, called targeted therapies and immunotherapies, have grabbed the biggest skin cancer headlines in the past few years, and that’s good news. But for people with the more common nonmelanoma skin cancers, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma (BCC and SCC), an older technique has also been drawing more attention and favor than ever. I recently led the task force to establish consensus guidelines on the treatment of BCC and SCC, which were published this year. They demonstrate that Mohs surgery is the treatment of choice for many BCCs and SCCS, and the single most precise and effective method for eliminating these cancers.^1-3

Did you know your chance of developing a nonmelanoma skin cancer in your lifetime is about one in five? More than 5. 3 million cases of BCC and SCC are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, either from the sun or from indoor tanning, is the greatest risk factor for developing these skin cancers, so it’s not surprising that approximately 80 percent of these cancers occur on the head and neck, where exposure is greatest. Unfortunately, since these are the most conspicuous skin cancers, they are also the most cosmetically challenging, capable of becoming disfiguring and sometimes dangerous if not caught at an early stage.

That’s why I want you to know just what Mohs surgery is, how it works, and what it can do to leave you cancer-free while looking the best you can after surgery.

How Mohs surgery works

Sometimes known as Mohs micrographic surgery, the technique was invented in the 1930s by Dr. Frederic Mohs at the University of Wisconsin, but it didn’t develop into a mainstream treatment until practitioners such as NYU dermatologist Perry Robins, MD, refined the technique and spread the word about it in the 1970s and 1980s. The use of Mohs surgery has especially been growing in the past 15 years, above all for skin cancers in the head and neck region.^2-5

The most obvious difference between Mohs surgery and routine excisional surgery is that Mohs is done in stages while you wait for lab results, which are obtained immediately on site, rather than the tissue sample being sent to a lab for results days later.

A surgeon specially trained in Mohs surgery, pathology and reconstructive surgery first may draw some marks around the lesion with ink to guide the treatment, then injects a local anesthesia. Using a scalpel, the doctor removes the thinnest possible layer of visible cancerous tissue. (Sometimes doctors gauge this by feel as well as by sight.) A nurse or assistant bandages your wound and shows you to a waiting area.

The surgeon then color-codes the tissue with ink to map exactly where it was removed from the body. Next, a technician processes the tumor in the on-site laboratory by freezing the tissue so that it can be readily cut into paper-thin sections (like a stack of dimes) and placed on slides. The tissue on the slides is then stained and the Mohs surgeon examines these slides under a microscope. If the doctor finds any remaining cancer cells, the areas are pinpointed on the map, and you’re called back into the operating room. The doctor numbs those areas again before precisely removing another layer of tissue from each of the locations where cancer cells remain.

Some Mohs surgery steps

Arielle Kauvar, MD, examines a cancerous area on the side of the patient’s nose.

Before starting the surgery, Dr. Kauvar injects a local anesthetic.

Dr. Kauvar removes the first layer of cancerous tissue.

In the lab, the surgeon examines slides with sections of the removed tissue.

Next, she marks a map of where cancer cells remain before round two of surgery.

Bandaged, the patient waits for the lab results before another round of surgery. It takes time to get the all-clear, but it’s worth it!

The team repeats this whole process until the margins (edges) of the last excised tissue sample are clear and cancer-free. At that point, the doctor usually closes the wound with stitches. In some cases, a large wound on the face or around a joint may need reconstruction with a skin flap or a skin graft. Mohs surgeons are trained in these techniques, though in some cases, a plastic surgeon may do the reconstruction or closure. After that, the wound is bandaged, you’re given instructions on how to take care of the incision — and you’re done.

As you can imagine, all of this takes time. If you need several rounds, it may take several hours. But the time spent is worth it. The Mohs process examines 100 percent of the tissue margins under the microscope, whereas in standard surgical excision only 1 percent of the margins are examined microscopically. Mohs surgery also conserves the greatest amount of healthy tissue, giving you the smallest scar possible. The procedure is cost-effective because the cancer removal, microscopic evaluation and, in most cases, wound reconstruction are all done in one visit, and the cure rate is up to 99 percent.

Who should have Mohs?

Because of its high cure rate, Mohs surgery is now recommended as the treatment of choice for high-risk nonmelanoma skin cancers.^1-3 Cancers on the nose, eyelids, lips, ears, hands, feet and genitals (some skin cancers are related to genetics or other causes rather than UV exposure) are all considered high-risk. Those on other areas of the face, scalp, neck and shins are considered intermediate risk.

Other skin cancers also best treated with Mohs surgery include:

• large cancers in normally low-risk areas.
• those with difficult-to-see borders.
• those with certain microscopic growth patterns.
• those that have recurred after initial treatment.
• those that could not be completely removed.

Mohs surgery is the front-line treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancers that grow in scar tissue or areas of prolonged inflammation, as well as skin that had previously been treated with radiation. Nonmelanoma skin cancers are also considered high-risk when they develop in patients whose immune systems are suppressed by medication (such as transplant recipients) or disease (such as leukemia), or in those with genetic syndromes that predispose them to skin cancers.

For small or superficial low-risk BCCs and SCCs on the abdomen, chest, back, arms and legs, standard treatments such as surgical excision, cryosurgery (freezing), curettage and electrodesiccation (scraping and burning), photodynamic therapy and topical medications may provide adequate therapy. (For more details on these procedures, see The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Treatment Glossary.)

Younger People Benefit, Too

The number of people who develop skin cancer has been increasing for decades, and, alarmingly, more women and men under age 40 are now being diagnosed with the disease. Particularly in women, indoor tanning has been linked by many experts to an increased incidence of skin cancers at younger ages.

In my practice, I treat at least one patient in his or her 30s each week with Mohs surgery and many in their 40s and 50s, which is vastly different than 20 years ago, when the majority of patients were older. Not many young people seriously worry about getting skin cancer. Many use tanning beds and skip sun protection, and if they discover an unusual growth on their skin, they often delay seeking treatment because they think it’s no big deal. But it can be. Basal cell carcinomas rarely metastasize, or spread through the body, but some have aggressive growth patterns and can cause significant damage by growing along nerves or blood vessels, or through muscle or bone. By allowing the cancer to grow, you risk requiring more extensive surgery in the future. Squamous cell carcinomas can be more dangerous, carrying an approximately 4 percent risk of metastasis and 2 percent risk of death6, and the risk increases when these cancers return after treatment.

That’s why it’s crucial for you to start as early as possible to protect yourself from the sun (see The Skin Cancer Foundation’s protection tips) and to start making a professional skin exam an annual habit. You should also check your own skin once a month head to toe, and get to a dermatologist immediately if you find any new or changing spot on your skin. It’s especially important to be aware that once you have had a skin cancer, you are at increased risk of one day developing new skin cancers elsewhere on the body.

It’s scary at any age to think about skin cancer surgery, especially when the cancer is on your nose, lips, ears or eyelids; it stirs up fears of scarring and disfigurement. Skin cancers in these critical locations have a high risk of recurring after treatment with standard techniques, and when they do recur they can require more extensive surgery because of undetected growth beneath the skin’s surface. Mohs surgery delivers the best cosmetic results, the lowest recurrence rate of any treatment method — and the highest chance of a complete cure. That’s good news at any age.

Arielle N.B. Kauvar, MD

Arielle N.B. Kauvar, MD, is founding director of New York Laser & Skin Care and a clinical professor, Ronald O. Perlman Department of Dermatology, NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. She is a member of The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Robins Fund.

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Mohs surgery Step by Step

Laser mole removal

Moles are a diagnosis made by patients themselves. In medicine, there is a group of benign skin tumors with corresponding names, which are determined by doctors when patients come to them with “moles”. Most often, nevi of various varieties, angiomas (red moles), seborrheic keratosis, dermatofibroma are detected. Much less often, melanoma or skin cancer is hidden under the mask of a “mole”. Before removing a mole with a laser, it is necessary to clearly define the diagnosis. Sometimes, this requires a dermatoscopy, scraping or even a biopsy.

Dermatologist’s consultation on the day of tumor removal using a dermatoscope up to 2 units.	1200 rub Sign up
Laser removal of single benign neoplasms (nevus) up to 5 mm, for 1 unit.	1800 rub Sign up
Laser removal of single benign neoplasms (nevus) more than 5 mm, for 1 unit.	2600 rub Sign up

Features of procedure

Laser mole removal is most often performed under local anesthesia with lidocaine or another drug injected into the skin under the mole. Small seborrheic keratosis or red moles may not be anesthetized.
If there are not very many moles or they are all small in size, then they can be removed with a laser in one session. It is necessary to limit the dose of the administered local anesthetic in accordance with the instructions due to the possibility of side effects. If the painkiller limits are reached, the removal of the remaining moles is transferred to the next session.
The healing rate of moles after laser removal varies greatly depending on the size, location, depth. It ranges from a few days to a month. Moles on the face heal the fastest. The slowest is on your feet.

Laser mole removal should be booked in advance so that it is possible to prepare the device to allocate time for the procedure in the schedule.

Preparation and process

Before laser removal, it is advisable to get enough sleep, if necessary, drink a sedative in the evening. It will not be superfluous to get rid of the hair around the mole with a depilatory cream or to shave the hair neatly.

Description of the process
During removal by laser beams, the tissues of the mole itself evaporate (vaporization), and then the pigment cells at its base (if it is a nevus). The depth of laser exposure and power will be different depending on the type of mole, it is determined by the doctor.

What to do after removal
After laser removal of a mole, your doctor may prescribe ointments or medicines to care for the wound. These can be means to accelerate wound healing, antibiotics to prevent infections, means to improve the appearance of scars. To wet or not to wet wounds from moles is also determined by the doctor.

Why are moles dangerous?

Pigmented nevus moles may develop into melanoma over time. Sometimes, they grow in breadth for many years, do not bother with anything else. However, as soon as nodular melanoma is formed, the mole becomes convex, begins to bleed or even metastasize throughout the body. Nodular melanoma is a very common cause of death. Melanoma itself is not removed by laser. However, many nevi, which are possible precursors of melanoma, can be removed with a laser. From moles such as seborrheic keratosis or nevi without pigment cells, skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell) can form. Skin cancer is not as dangerous as melanoma. But, people often die from it. It is easier to remove moles with a laser without waiting for them to turn into something more dangerous.

Laser Removal Equipment

There are several classes of laser machines for removing moles. The most commonly used diode laser. Beams of light with the desired wavelength are formed inside the apparatus, and from there they go through the light guide to the mole. The wavelength of the laser light is selected so that it is primarily absorbed by water or blood, that is, it heats them up very quickly. From the rapid heating of the laser, the water from the mole instantly evaporates and the skin around or the fatty tissue under it does not heat up. The less healthy tissues are heated, the faster the wound heals and the less scarring.

Popular questions

How long does it take for a wound to heal after laser removal of a mole?

The rate of wound healing after laser removal of a mole will depend on many different factors: size, type of mole, location, presence of concomitant diseases. With small size and shallow depth (red moles), healing can take about a week. Typical moles (shallow intradermal nevi) on the face up to 1 cm in size heal within two weeks. However, there are often moles, after the removal of which by laser healing will take about a month.

Can moles be removed with a laser?

Most moles can be laser removed with excellent cosmetic results. An exception is made in rare cases. For example, when a mole looks like a basal cell or melanoma. In such situations, the patient is sent for a consultation with an oncologist to rule out malignant skin lesions. A scraping or biopsy may be needed to make a definitive diagnosis.

Which moles should not be removed?

All moles can be removed. There are moles, before removing which you need to fully determine the diagnosis and also choose the best method. To do this, they can be sent for a consultation with an oncologist, where a biopsy or scraping is performed. If the mole turns out to be malignant or precancerous, it is all the more necessary to remove it. However, the removal methods will be very different from those that are acceptable for ordinary moles. The decision is made by the doctor.

Which is better, laser or radio wave mole removal?

in each case, the method of removal is determined by the doctor. There are moles that can be removed with a laser that may not be effective. These can be deep congenital nevi, nevi suspicious for melanoma, it is desirable to examine them under a microscope in their entirety and remove them to the full depth. There are few such moles. For their removal, a radio wave method or a surgical method is used. On the other hand, there are red moles, superficial seborrheic keratosis, which are best removed superficially with a laser.

They say that moles should not be touched, otherwise you can die from it. Is this true?

Many of our potential patients think so and continue to grow various moles and other neoplasms on their skin. Often this is due to Soviet approaches to informing the patient about the presence of a malignant tumor. Then everyone hid, they didn’t say that they actually removed the melanoma. Even with proper treatment of relatively small (up to 2 cm), but nodular melanoma, there is a high risk of death from metastases over the coming years. Which is natural, has been confirmed more than once in everyday life, horrifying relatives and friends. If you remove moles that serve as a source of melanoma and skin cancer, then the risk of their formation in the future is significantly reduced.

Proper care after laser mole removal

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Laser mole removal is one of the safest ways to get rid of a nevus. The whole procedure is carried out according to a clearly defined algorithm. You can avoid complications and unforeseen consequences if you follow the doctor’s recommendations for the next two weeks.

How does the healing process go

• 3-4 hours after the removal of the mole, the wound is covered with a dark dense crust. And after a few hours, the place around swells and turns red. This is an absolutely normal reaction of the body. The entire healing process lasts from 14 days to a month.
• First week. The scab that appeared at the site of the birthmark must not be cut off. It has a protective function: to protect the wound from infection and allow new tissues to grow. The wound is protected from mechanical damage, friction with clothes, bath washcloths, combing. Also, do not use cosmetic creams.

Frequently asked questions: Can a scar or cicatrix appear on the site of a removed mole? Such a nuisance can happen if the protective scab is torn off the wound surface. Therefore, doctors strongly recommend protecting the wound from outside interference.

• Second week. On about 7-10 days, the dry crust disappears by itself. Instead, it remains a pale pink skin. It must not be exposed to sunlight. If the mole was on the face, then use sunscreen with SPF 50. Otherwise, unwanted pigmentation may occur.
• The next two weeks. Usually, by the 20th day, the site of the removed mole is overgrown with full-fledged healthy skin. A slight itching may occur at the site of the wound, but special skin care after getting rid of the birthmark is no longer required. A month after the operation, the scar from the birthmark is smoothed out, and after 2 months only an inconspicuous microscar remains.

How to care for a wound after removing a mole

Sometimes a doctor will prescribe a treatment of the scab with disinfectants or an ointment with an antimicrobial effect. The most popular care products after mole removal are:

• weak solution of potassium permanganate. It dries the crust and has an antiseptic effect;
• spirit solution of brilliant green, or brilliant green. Also a good antiseptic.

Otherwise, normal wound care after mole removal is to observe the damaged area. The signal about the wrong healing process will be:

• purulent discharge;
• severe itching, soaking;
• prolonged bleeding;
• elevated body temperature;
• noticeable swelling of the skin for several days.

If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor.

What does care after removal of a mole on the face involve? You can not use healing ointments, creams, gels without the consent of your doctor.