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Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Skin Cancer

Dermatology/Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Skin Cancer

Our expert consultant dermatologists offer a skin cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment with Mohs micrographic surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer is a specialist type of surgery. It aims to leave as much healthy skin as possible whilst removing the skin cancer. 

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It is often caused by ultraviolet exposure and cancer occurs when unrepaired DNA damage in skin cells triggers mutations or genetic defects that leads them to rapidly multiply and form malignant tumours. 

Currently, the exact reasons why you may develop a skin cancer aren’t fully understood. However, there are certain factors that make skin cancer more likely to happen. The main risk factor is increased exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or sunbeds, and increasing age. 

Treat skin cancer with Mohs surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery at 152 Harley Street is the most effective technique for removing Basal Cell Carcinomas and Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Cure rates are an unparalleled 98% or higher with Mohs, significantly better than the rates for standard excision or any other method. The procedure maintains the greatest amount of healthy tissue whilst completely removing the cancer cells.

Types of skin cancers

There are three main types of skin cancer, these are Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma. Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are commonly treated with Mohs surgery when they affect the head and neck.

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer in the UK. It is slow growing but, if left untreated, can grow deeper into your skin and sometimes into surrounding tissues.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK. Squamous Cell Carcinoma usually grows slowly but occasionally can spread into lymph glands or other parts of your body.

Why should I have Mohs micrographic surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is the most effective treatment for a variety of skin cancers. It removes cancer cells whilst retaining as much healthy tissue as possible.

What happens during Mohs micrographic surgery?

During Mohs micrographic surgery, a layer of tissue is removed and then checked under a microscope for the presence of cancer. This process is repeated until the tissue being removed is cancer free. Due to the intricate nature of the surgery, it ensures the removal of as little normal tissue as possible.

How long does Mohs Micrographic surgery take?

Mohs micrographic surgery can take around three to four hours, but it also depends on the size of the skin cancer. The more layers to be removed and checked, the longer the surgery will take.

Procedure Overview

  • Medical procedure to remove skin cancer while retaining as much healthy tissue as possible
  • Intricate surgery which removes a layer of the skin one by one and then checks each layer for the presence of cancer
  • Typical procedure takes up to four hours but this is dependent on each individual case
  • Procedure is done under local anaesthetic and therefore is associated with minimal pain or discomfort
  • Typical procedure costs £4,700
  • You will have an initial consultation with an expert specialist in this area
Patient and doctor

Is Mohs micrographic surgery very painful?

During Mohs micrographic surgery you will receive local anaesthetic and therefore you will experience minimal pain or discomfort following the initial injection of local anaesthetic.

How long does it take to recover from Mohs micrographic surgery?

It is entirely dependent on the size and the depth of the skin cancer. It usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks for the area treated to completely heal. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 48 hours but, after this time, you can resume normal routine.

How much does Mohs micrographic surgery cost?

The price for an Mohs micrographic surgery starts from approximately £4,700 which includes both consultant and facility fees. The total cost will be confirmed following the initial consultation.

"Superb - Beyond just demonstrating his obvious expertise, Dr Lynch was also highly empathetic and understanding about the mental health impact of skin conditions. I wouldn’t hesitate to book again or recommend him. I have already noticed an improvement following my consultation and prescription."

"Having had my first operation at another hospital for skin cancer which, unfortunately, did not achieve the desired results, I was referred to Dr Jack Mann at the Cancer Centre - Guys Hospital. I knew immediately I was in the capable and competent hands of a fine surgeon. He is professional but at the same time puts one at ease - he has a good bedside manner. My operation, needless to say, was successful and the reconstructive surgery on my face has healed well and overtime won't even be noticeable. My final words on Dr Jack Mann – Professional, competent, highly qualified in skin cancers, a brilliant surgeon with a caring personality."

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