Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
MOHs surgery
A PROCEDURE FOR TREATING SKIN CANCER
Mohs surgery or Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a precise surgical technique
About mohs surgery
MOHs surgery is used to treat cancers — including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma — on the face and other sensitive areas.
The surgery removes the skin in thin layers, each layer is analysed under a microscope, the process is repeated until no further cancer cells are present.
Mohs surgery is recommended for removal of skin cancers on thin or delicate areas of skin, such the face.
Need to know
A local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area where you're having surgery. Your surgeon will then take the first thin layer of tissue to be examined. The area will be treated to prevent any bleeding and a dressing will be applied. The skin sample is analysed immediately and if cancer cells are still present, another small layer is taken.
The process of removing each layer only takes a few minutes. However, examining each layer can take over an hour. The length of your appointment will depend on how many layers need to be removed. This delicate procedure minimises damage to healthy tissue.
Your consultant will let you know how to prepare for the procedure and answer any questions you might have. It’s important to tell your consultant about any medications you’re taking, particularly any blood-thinning tablets such as aspirin. Aspirin-based medicines can make the area more likely to bleed. For this reason, your consultant might also suggest avoiding alcohol in the days leading up to surgery. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
Once the sample shows that the skin cancer has been removed completely, your surgeon will decide on the best way to close the area to minimise scarring.
Depending on the size and location of the cut, this could involve a skin graft, stitches or, if the skin cancer was very small, simply leaving the area to heal.
The success rate for Mohs surgery is very high up to 99% for new cancers and 95% for recurrent cancers. You should be able to go home the same day as your surgery. Your consultant will explain how to care for the area in the days and weeks following your surgery for the best cosmetic result.
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Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.