Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and can appear on different parts of the body. Over 2 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Fortunately, early diagnosis and treatment make skin cancer highly curable.

Common warning signs include changes in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other skin lesion or the appearance of a new growth on the skin. (Source: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer)

Mohs Micrographic Surgery Preoperative Information

Your surgery will be performed in our clinic at 12910 Pierce Street, Suite 120, Omaha, NE 68144.

Mohs micrographic surgery is a targeted therapy used to treat skin cancer. It aims to remove cancerous cells while providing the highest possible cure rate.

The procedure is performed in the office on an outpatient basis. Dr. Frederick Mohs developed this technique in the 1930s. Today, it is widely used for common skin cancers like basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.

Applications of Mohs Surgery

While Mohs surgery is commonly used to treat skin cancer in certain basal and squamous cell skin cancers it is also used to treat Merkel cell carcinoma. Side effects of Mohs surgery include pain or tenderness, and occasional bleeding. Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands Mohs surgeons and Omaha dermatologists, Mathew Davey, M.D. FAAD and James Shehan, M.D. FAAD, are both members of The American Society for Mohs Surgery.

Types of Skin Cancer and Treatment with Mohs Surgery

Skin cancer can manifest in various forms, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Each type can affect different layers of skin, with some remaining on the surface while others penetrate deeper. Mohs micrographic surgery is particularly effective for superficial skin cancers, as it allows for precise removal of cancerous tissue.

This technique ensures that the cancer is completely removed, even at microscopic levels, leading to the highest cure rates. By carefully excising affected layers of skin, this method helps preserve as much healthy tissue as possible while achieving thorough treatment.

Mohs Surgery to Remove Skin Cancer

During the surgery, our board-certified dermatologists use local anesthesia to numb the area (skin) completely, similar to the initial biopsy. The surgeon removes the visible cancer with a thin rim of normal/healthy tissue. The skin sample is then sent to our CLIA-certified Mohs laboratory. There, it is frozen (cryo-stat), cut into microscopic-thin sections, stained, and examined under the microscope by the dermatologist to check if all of the cancer has been removed.

If any skin cancer remains, the dermatologist will identify its exact location and repeat the process until the entire area is deemed cancer-free. Following that, your dermatologist will discuss the best treatment options to close the area of the skin. In most cases, the closure will be performed on the same day.

Reserve the entire day for this surgery, because the final size and extent of the skin to be removed to clear you of the cancer cannot be predicted in advance. After your Mohs surgery is completed, we will review care for the area with you and schedule your post-operative visit. You will leave the office with a bandage in place over the surgery area.

If any of the following apply to you, please notify our office on the day of surgery (if you did not already discuss them with the nursing staff when you scheduled the procedure):

If you take Coumadin (warfarin), please call our office with the most recent PT/INR levels immediately.
Have an artificial joint, artificial heart valve, any other implanted electrical devices in your body or have been told by another doctor to take antibiotics prior to dental or surgical procedures, please contact our office immediately.

Plan on being in the office for at least 3 to 4 hours for the procedure, processing, and testing.

We encourage you to bring a book or some magazines to read as well as a snack/drink. Also, we encourage you to bring a family member or friend with you on the day of the procedure for your supportive care. Wash your hair and face the night before and morning of the surgery. Do not wear any make-up, hair products (spray, gel, etc.), or hair pieces to the surgery. A hat may be worn but will need to be removed during the procedure. Wear an old, clean shirt, but do not wear any jewelry. Consider bringing an old, clean blanket or jacket to the office. Unless otherwise directed, take all of your normal medications and feel free to eat breakfast the morning of your procedure.

If you need to change or reschedule your procedure date, please call the dermatologist’s nursing staff as soon as possible.

Mohs Surgery Omaha, NE – Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our dermatology clinic locations near you. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Free Skin Cancer Screening in Omaha, NE at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands

Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands offers free skin cancer screenings to help detect early signs of skin cancer, which can be crucial for effective treatment. Our skilled dermatologists are dedicated to providing thorough and compassionate screenings for residents in Omaha and surrounding areas. During a screening, our team examines your skin for any unusual moles, spots, or lesions and offers guidance on protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Early detection of skin abnormalities can make all the difference, and our experts are here to provide the peace of mind you deserve.