Mohs Surgery
What is Mohs Surgery?
When you are diagnosed with skin cancer, your provider may recommend Mohs Surgery. Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized surgical treatment for skin cancer with a cure rate of 97-99 percent. Mohs is a meticulous procedure that utilizes a microscope to help ensure that all cancer cells are removed when skin cancer is treated. Mohs surgery results in the highest cure rate for skin cancers while removing the minimum amount of healthy tissue.
Related Specialties
Locations & Hours
View details for a clinic named West Ames Office
3600 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50014
Hours
| Monday | 8am-5pm |
| Tuesday | 8am-5pm |
| Wednesday | 8am-5pm |
| Thursday | 8am-5pm |
| Friday | 8am-5pm |
Services
- Scar revisions
- Mohs surgery
- Excisional surgery
- Laser therapy
- Melanoma treatment
- Mole removal
- Piercing repairs
Disease & Disorders Treated
Mohs Surgery for skin cancer can treat:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
- Other less common forms of skin cancers
- Growths
Preparing for Mohs Surgery
Before the Day of Procedure
What to Expect Before and After Mohs Surgery
We encourage all patients to review this guide from the American College of Mohs Surgery before their appointment. It explains what to expect before, during, and after Mohs surgery.
Forms & Materials to Complete Before Your Visit
Please complete and review the following materials in preparation for your upcoming Mohs Surgery appointment in our Dermatology Department...
Dermatology Surgery Preoperative Sheet
Please print and complete this form before your visit and bring it with you to your appointment. This allows us to have the most accurate information and helps to avoid delays on the day of your surgery.
Mohs Surgery Brochure
We ask that you read the following brochure before your visit so that you can have the best understanding of the Mohs surgery procedure and know how to prepare for the surgery and postoperative care.
Medications
Take all of your usual medications including insulin on the day of surgery, unless directed otherwise. If you take any medications with Coumadin or Warfarin, please have your INR lab drawn within 72 hours before your procedure date. You may bring the results to your appointment or fax them to the Dermatology Department at 515-663-4836.
The Night Before Surgery
You may want to wash your hair the night or morning before surgery because you will be asked not to shower for at least 24 hours following surgery.
Day of Procedure
- On the morning of surgery, wash your face thoroughly and do not apply any makeup. Also, do not wear clothing you must pull over your head as it may be difficult to remove after surgery.
- You may eat a normal breakfast or lunch on the day of your surgery.
- Feel free to bring along activities such as books, tablets, etc., or food, snacks, or beverages. We strive to make your visit as pleasant as possible, however, there will be wait times involved due to the nature of the procedure.
What to Expect During Your Mohs Surgery
During the procedure, the Mohs surgeon removes the visible tumor and a margin of healthy tissue. Then your removed tissue is "mapped" and examined under the microscope for remaining cancer cells. With the Mohs procedure, the surgeon can examine 100 percent of the tissue that surrounds the tumor.
What to Expect After Your Mohs Surgery
After the cancer is removed, the Mohs surgeon repairs the area of skin you have lost. Reconstruction may be performed by simply sewing up the wound, or by using techniques such as skin flaps and grafts. Occasionally, wounds are allowed to heal on their own (without stitches, flaps, or grafts). Your Mohs surgeon will help you choose the reconstruction technique that is best for you.
More Information
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our office at 515-239-4492.
Patient Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mohs micrographic surgery?
It is a specialized surgical treatment for skin cancer which can provide the highest cure rate while removing the least amount of surrounding healthy tissue.
What other services are provided by a Mohs surgeon?
Addtional services provided by a Mohs surgeon include, but are not limited to, excisional surgery, scar revisions, melanoma treatment, mole removal and laser therapy.
When is Mohs surgery used?
Mohs surgery is usually recommended for skin cancers that occur on sensitive areas of the body or that have a high likelihood of recurrence.
These include skin cancers that:
- Are located in cosmetically or functionally important areas such as around the face, scalp and neck. Mohs surgery can be used on other body areas for skin tumors that have a high risk of recurring.
- Have cells that grow rapidly or deeply.
- Have recurred after previous treatment.
What are the risks of Mohs surgery?
As with every surgery the risk of complications does exist. Complications associated with Mohs surgery are uncommon, but may occur. When they do occur, they include, but are not limited to:
- Bleeding-Excessive bleeding under a wound that has been sewn up (sutured) can delay healing.
- Infection- Rarely, wounds become infected and may require antibiotic treatment.
- Loss of nerve and muscle function- Uncommonly, the surgery may result in impaired nerve or muscle function. This is often temporary, but may be permanent.
- Poor healing- In some instances the wound created by the surgery may heal slowly or not as well as anticipated.
- Swelling- All surgery results in swelling that decreases gradually during healing.
- Scarring- All techniques to remove skin cancer can cause scarring. With Mohs surgery, the wound that is present after removal of the skin cancer is the smallest possible; this helps minimize scarring.
Video Resources
Mohs Surgery: The Most Effective Treatment for Skin Cancer
Mohs micrographic surgery is the most effective and advanced treatment for skin cancer. Learn more in this video from the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS).
Postoperative Care for Mohs Surgery
It's common for patients to wonder what they can expect after a Mohs skin cancer surgery. This video is intended to help you understand what to expect in the short and long term.
Patient Education
Important Links
American Academy of Dermatology
The American Academy of Dermatology is the largest of all dermatologic associations, with a membership of over 16,000 practicing dermatologists in the United States.
American College of Mohs Surgery
The American College of Mohs Surgery promotes and continues to set the highest standards of patient care relating to Mohs Micrographic Surgery through its fellowship training process.
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) and its nearly 4,700 members are at the forefront of the development of safe, in-office procedures that are saving lives by diagnosing and treating potentially deadly skin cancers earlier and more effectively.
Patient Guides
Skin Cancer Awareness Guide
Information on performing a skin self examination and important facts on skin cancer.
Before and After Mohs Surgery: What to Expect for Patients
This digital flipbook from the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) is a comprehensive guide to the Mohs Surgery process.
