How effective is Mohs surgery for squamous cell carcinoma?

The technique is especially useful when a tumour is on the face, near an important structure, has an indistinct edge, has returned, or needs tissue conservation. Local anaesthetic is commonly used. The surgeon removes the visible growth with a thin layer of surrounding tissue, maps the specimen, and examines it before deciding whether another layer is needed. This immediate margin assessment helps target cancer cells while limiting unnecessary removal of healthy tissue. It treats the site being operated on; it does not replace assessment of nearby lymph nodes or other concerns when those are relevant.

Bring a complete list of medicines and tell the clinic about blood thinners, allergies, implanted devices, and previous skin cancers. Afterward, follow the dressing and wound-care instructions closely, avoid rubbing the site, and protect healing skin from strong sun. Reconstruction may involve stitches, letting the wound heal naturally, or another repair, depending on its size and position. Keep every follow-up appointment so healing and the pathology result can be reviewed.

Contact the surgical team promptly for bleeding that does not settle with firm, continuous pressure, worsening pain, spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, fever, or wound separation. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, faintness, breathing difficulty, or swelling that threatens an eye or airway. A new change at or close to the treated area also deserves a skin review.

Ask whether Mohs is suitable for the tumour's location, size, depth, and previous treatment; how many tissue layers might be needed; how the wound will be repaired; what changes should trigger a call; and how future skin checks will be arranged.