carcinoma - doh!

[genrex]

Well, fiddlesticks. Last week my doctor said I have a 1/2" patch of basal cell carcinoma on the back of my neck, and that there's a 99% cure rate. They're not wasting any time... the dermatologist is doing a Mohs procedure tomorrow. Anyone here ever have a Mohs procedure? They didn't give me any special instructions. It sounds like something from the 3 Stooges. Moe, Curly, or Larry. I hope the doctor doesn't look like Moe or Curly!

_

[porwolf]

I had it done my years ago in my face. As I understand it the surgeon/dermatologist excise the affected skin section and has it inspected in a lab while you are still under local anesthesia. In the lab the excised skin part willl be examined on whether all the basal cells have been removed. If not, a little more skin will be removed while you are waiting. Until all basal cell skin area is gone. Then the area willl be stitched up and you are on your way. No big deal, really. My treatment on the side of my nose healed fine with nothing visible, not even a trace! And no reoccurence in about 10 years so far.

[Rick V]

Mohs surgery - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Les Paul]

Depending on how big a chunk they take out they pull it all back together and it can certainly pull when you turn your head. No big deal. They'll take it out then come back to see if they need to take any more.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by genrex

Well, fiddlesticks. Last week my doctor said I have a 1/2" patch of basal cell carcinoma on the back of my neck, and that there's a 99% cure rate. They're not wasting any time... the dermatologist is doing a Mohs procedure tomorrow. Anyone here ever have a Mohs procedure? They didn't give me any special instructions. It sounds like something from the 3 Stooges. Moe, Curly, or Larry. I hope the doctor doesn't look like Moe or Curly!

_

THe idea of mohs is so they don't take off more than they have to. Success depends on who is reading the tests in the next room. THe other method is good but they take off a standard margine from all around it.

Good luck.

[LWJ]

Hey. By the way, good luck!

Larry

[bmcuscgr94]

Originally Posted by porwolf

I had it done my years ago in my face. As I understand it the surgeon/dermatologist excise the affected skin section and has it inspected in a lab while you are still under local anesthesia. In the lab the excised skin part willl be examined on whether all the basal cells have been removed. If not, a little more skin will be removed while you are waiting. Until all basal cell skin area is gone. Then the area willl be stitched up and you are on your way. No big deal, really. My treatment on the side of my nose healed fine with nothing visible, not even a trace! And no reoccurence in about 10 years so far.

Yep, that's how my procedure went. Except mine was on an ear so I have small bit size chunk missing. Long hair keeps it covered.