- Comprehensive Breast Care for Sydney
- New website Same Amazing Team!
- Get In Touch!
Mohs surgery is a specialised surgical technique used to remove certain types of skin cancer while aiming to preserve as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible. It is often used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, particularly when located in areas such as the face, ears, and hands.
Mohs surgery involves removing thin layers of cancerous tissue one at a time. Each layer is examined under a microscope immediately after removal to check for remaining cancer cells. This process is repeated until no cancer cells are detected, allowing for thorough removal of the cancer while aiming to minimise the removal of healthy skin.
During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your medical history and assess the area requiring treatment to determine if Mohs surgery is appropriate for your condition.
On the day of surgery, the area will be numbed with local anaesthesia. The procedure involves removing thin layers of skin from the affected area. Each layer is examined under a microscope to check for remaining cancer cells. This process is repeated until no cancer cells are detected. Mohs surgery can take several hours, depending on the size and depth of the cancer.
After the cancer has been completely removed, your surgeon will discuss options for wound closure. This may include letting the wound heal naturally, closing it with stitches, or performing a skin graft or flap if needed, depending on the size and location of the wound.
Most patients can go home on the same day. Your surgeon will provide detailed postoperative care instructions to support your healing.
Mohs surgery carries certain risks and potential complications, including:
Dr Chen will discuss these risks with you in detail during your consultation to support informed decision-making.
A skin cancer check involves a detailed examination of your skin to assess any moles, growths, or changes in existing lesions. Dr Chen uses diagnostic tools, such as dermoscopy, to examine skin lesions more closely. If any areas appear concerning, further tests or a biopsy may be recommended to determine whether a lesion is cancerous or benign.
The recommended frequency of skin cancer checks varies based on factors such as age, skin type, family history, and sun exposure. For individuals with a higher risk of skin cancer, checks every 6 to 12 months may be suggested. Dr Chen can discuss your personal risk factors with you and recommend a suitable schedule for ongoing skin checks.
If a suspicious mole or lesion is identified during a skin cancer check, Dr Paul Chen may recommend a biopsy to examine the tissue and confirm the diagnosis. If skin cancer is detected, treatment options such as surgical removal, radiation therapy, or topical treatments will be discussed based on the type and extent of the cancer.
Early detection can increase the range of management options available for most types of skin cancer.
Take the first step towards expert care—schedule your consultation with Oncoplastic Surgical Centre today and receive personalised treatment from Dr. Paul Chen and his team.
