There are five key steps in the process of Mohs skin cancer removal:
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STEP 1: The roots of a skin cancer may extend beyond the visible portion of the tumor. If these roots are not removed, the cancer will recur. |
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STEP 2: The visible tumor is identified. A thin layer of skin around the tumor is removed and divided into sections. The surgeon then color codes each of these sections with dyes and makes reference marks on the skin to show the source of these sections. A map of the surgical site is then drawn.
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STEP 3: The undersurface and edges of each section are microscopically examined for evidence of remaining cancer.
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STEP 4: If cancer cells are found under the microscope, the surgeon marks their location on the map and returns to the patient to remove another layer of skin – but only from precisely where the cancer cells remain. |
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STEP 5: Once all the skin cancer is removed, the wound is repaired.
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