I recently found out I have a superficial basal cell carcinoma on my scalp about 1 inch back from my hairline. I'm sorry you have to have the procedure. Stitches on the ears, scalp, limbs, chest . What should I expect for after care needs? Most commonly, skin cancer defects can be closed with a local flap, as was the case with Jons surgery. Last week, I had a biopsy done of a spot on the back of my neck and got a call today telling me that it's basal cell carcinoma. His own cartilage was used as well, in order to maintain the contour of the nostril and prevent collapse of the ala. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript. The second stage was performed 3 weeks later in order to detach the flap and to recreate the transition between the cheek and the nose. I don't even want to tell my mom yet, who will go on and on about how I should have worn a hat and long sleeves in the garden. I'm wishing you a stress-free procedure! My battle started 16 years ago, and it seems it's beginning to ramp up. As described in the January 1 and January 2, 2014 posts, two weeks ago, on December 30, 2013, the basal cell carcinoma in the part line of my scalp was excised using Mohs micrographic surgery (see the November 21, 2013 post).Yes, what I said before is true: after having a total robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy for uterine (endometrial) cancer, I . The doctor explained that I would be getting two rows of stitches, one inside that would dissolve on their own, and one outside that I would have to get removed a week later. I know there are many more people who would have dropped everything to help me if I had given them the chance. Mohs surgeons sometimes carry products they know to have good quality, taking the guesswork out of wound care for their patients. Having a blog is fun (and a lot of work!). I didn't want them to freak out or worry so I put on a happy face. They might have some great ideas. 3. . I made a joke about when the masseuse would show up and was very seriously told 4:30pm! Three or four hours or longer is common. Your email address will not be published. I was kind of scared but most people I talked to were not that worried. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Scalp Reconstruction after Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer, 733 North Beers Street, Suite U-1, Holmdel, NJ 07733, 300 Perrine Road, Suite 333, Old Bridge, NJ 08857, 230 Mounts Corner Road, Freehold, NJ 07728, 33 Upper Overlook Road, Suite 302, Summit, NJ 07901, Autologous Breast Reconstruction (DIEP Flap), Case #161 - Scalp Reconstruction after Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer. Swelling and bruising are common following Mohs Surgery, particularly when surgery is performed around the eyes. I think I was super lucky to have found such an amazing doctor. Mayo Clin Proc. Hi! Goals: MOHS surgery was performed on her upper eyebrow to remove a basal cell skin cancer. Photo of scar after mohs surgery. Drink responsibly. Anyway I just hate that this will be on my face. The American Society for Mohs Surgery is committed to ongoing education and support for clinicians interested in this skin cancer surgical technique. I broke down again when I saw the stitches. . You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Your email address will not be published. My husband and I, still in good spirits, took joke pictures to send to his mom. The nostril (nasal ala) was repaired with a 2 staged interpolated cheek flap (nasolabial flap) procedure. Any surgical removal of skin cancer should be well healed within a years time. The technique reduces recurrence and maximizes cosmetic results, often leaving little more than a small scar as evidence of the surgery. The area is in my scalp and Ive spent too much time on Google (I know, I know) reading about everything and looking at pictures. On one particular visit, my dermatologist said "If I call you, don't freak out. Like, hold up, this isn't just a little cut anymore. So when I had to have a basal cell carcinoma removed, I was stunned. This includes common types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome! There are a few reasons why this can happen, including an infection or bleeding/hematoma under the skin. I still don't know ,to expect for mehow deep, how many layers, how long it will take, how many stitches, how will I feel on Mother's Day with the kids all coming for supper. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Knowledge, precision, and compassion. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Mohs surgery is commonly used to treat BCCs on the scalp. I rolled into Thanksgiving dinner with no makeup on and 2 day old dirty hair (which I don't do - it is NOT cute on me). . A DREAM COME TRUE!). Seeing the "extent" of your surgery vs. initial photo of your BCC does make me wonder what outcome will be, but it is what it is. Most patients report initial regrowth at between 3-6 months. And knowing that my dad had the surgery, that it was "no big deal" and was pretty common left me feeling, well, it left me not feeling. TIA. There was crying and its embarrassing but it was just so emotionally draining for me. 2017;92(8):1261-1271. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.04.009, David AP, Miller MQ, Park SS, Christophel JJ. I didn't really think it was going to be as emotional as it was. View 918 before and after Mohs Surgery photos, submitted by real doctors, to get an idea of the results patients have . Over my first few visits, the dermatologist evaluated my moles and skin (head to toe check!) My experience was pretty crazy so I wanted to make sure to share it in case it would help someone else. My dad's surgery, on the other hand, was done similar to how a lab is set up. They glued it to my skin and it would fall off on its own in 1-3 weeks. 1 Price. But overall, I felt both the dermatologist and plastic surgeon did a good job of explaining the possible outcomes and results.. You know how there is a checklist of all the signs to look for when deciding if a mole is potentially cancerous? us and set up a consultation. I'm 55, have progressive MS (v. likely BCC caused by one of the meds-since discontinued-Thanks Mayzent!) Goals: This patient had a full thickness (through and through) defect of his upper lip after MOHS surgery to remove a lip cancer. Local (or adjacent) flaps generally have the same color and skin texture as the defect from the skin cancer surgery. WARNING: I share photos with my stitches. Ask a lot of questions! These pictures are for general information only. It was a long day, he recalls. He practices in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida treating patients from Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, as well as patients from all over the US and from around the world. Remember the front office gal I mentioned? Patient underwent Mohs surgery in two stages resulting in a 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm defect. Posts about wine, liquor and/or cocktail recipes are expressly for people 21 years of age and older. The surgeon stitched the excision without the need for a skin graft. The photos are categorized by body location. :). So I didn't make any special phone calls to friends with news of my skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma pictures: BCC on the neck, near to cheek. WARNING: AFTER PICTURE OF MOHS SURGERY STITCHES COMING UP! You'll be able to sit up and relax during these wait . After that, I have had 4 other wide excisions, and starting tomorrow I will have to go through THREE Mohs procedures over the next few weeks. Mohs surgery is most useful for skin cancers that: Have a high risk of coming back or that have returned after previous treatment. So began the journey of having moles biopsied. It helps hearing your experience. Ask the Expert: Does a High SPF Protect My Skin Better? Because of the stitches from Mohs surgery, I couldn't pick up my boys or lift anything heavy. I am scheduled for Mohs surgery in 2 1/2 weeks and very stressed about it. You're going to do great, friend! All the sudden it had become a pretty big deal but most people didn't even know about it. The patient had squamous cell cancer on their forehead, which was removed via Mohs surgery. Can you share how you started? You can see how my basal cell carcinoma scar looked a year after this surgery in this post. I had my surgery in the morning and was home and in bed by the afternoon. Mohs surgery is a specialized procedure that is used to remove various types of skin cancers in critical areas of cosmetic or functional concern. Someone please explain this to me, what to expect. Read our. I currently have my procedure scheduled with my dermatologist in the High Desert and I'm having second thoughts about having it done there. Julie is an Adult Nurse Practitioner with oncology certification and a healthcare freelance writer with an interest in educating patients and the healthcare community. By Julie Scott, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP Is this normal and if so has anyone used scalp dye to make their scalp less obvious? Treatment selection can also depend on whether this is a first-time or a recurring basal cell carcinoma. It was all very relaxed and enjoyable. And because of the placement on my neck, sweaters would rub right there. Reconstruction was achieved using a T-pattern (also called an O to T flap) complex closure, meaning that the skin was brought together and rearranged above the red (vermillion border) of the lip so that the lip itself would not be interrupted or bunched. Self diagnosed, but still counts I think. This happens about every 4 to 6 weeks. Browse Mohs Surgery before & after photos shared by doctors on RealSelf. It proves quite effective against tumors on the . I really tried to stay out of the sun for at least a year after my procedure so I could make sure to keep any discoloring from happening! First they remove the area that they believe to contain the cancer cells. In the second stage of the procedure, 2 weeks later, the connection was detached to restore the forehead into position. The most amazing front desk gal had called a few days before and explained that I should plan on being there the whole day. My anxiety was through the roof but reading your story helped tremendously! If you're looking for Moh's Surgery pictures, hopefully, these will help you plan for your own procedure and know what to expect. The after pictures show results after reconstructive surgery to repair the defects left behind after the cancer was removed. The tape was still pulling on my skin. Try to just see how it goes and don't be afraid to ask the doctor questions about how to minimize the scar. Mohs surgery, developed in 1938 by a general surgeon, Frederic E. Mohs, is microscopically controlled surgery used to treat both common and rare types of skin cancer. At this point I just needed to be stitched up. There was no comfortable way to sleep for a while. I am having the procedure on my nose on July 31st. Skin Cancer is scarring- physically and emotionally. In all of this, I found out I'm pretty much a sissy when it comes to medical procedures. The doctor who performs your Mohs surgery, also called Mohs micrographic surgery, to treat skin cancer may be able to complete your reconstruction when your lesion is removed, or you may be referred to a plastic surgeon for reconstructive surgery. Mohs surgery of the scalp requires careful excision, tissue processing and closures, keeping in mind the intricacies of scalp anatomy, an expert says. Thank you for your question. It took awhile to not feel depressed. I had minor (really minor) pain for a month or so. This post is about my experience with basal cell carcinoma skin cancer and how I had it removed with Mohs surgery. The procedure may comprise several waiting periods while the layers of removed tissue are analyzed. [3] [4] [5] A dermatologist is a specialist medical doctor who manages diseases related to skin, hair, nails, and some cosmetic problems. I had even gone to my doctor for Xanax but my anxiety proved to be too strong. It's called slow because the patient must wait longer for the . My husband was a trooper and was so strong. Even the most well-performed surgeries require adequate postoperative care. I got REAL nervous. Learn more: www.uwhealth.org/mohs I am not a fan of stitches either. We were told results would take about an hour so we just had to relax and wait. And because of the placement on my neck, sweaters would rub right there. I am a female and while removal of BCC is of upmost importance, I am concerned how I will look if there will be a large hole in the top of my head, and for how long. These tumors have been routinely treated in the past with traditional surgical excision techniques that typically required large margins of tissue to ensure removal of any microscopic . I was in a pretty dark place for those couple of weeks. Additionally, you should avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours and be sure to protect the treated area from sun exposure by wearing sunscreen or a hat. It stayed on until my follow-up appointment about 3 weeks later. lips, ears, scalp, fingers, toes, or genitals. They ended up going in to take more cells a third time before I was finally told they got all the area they needed. It left me with a round wound a little larger than a quarter. ugh! SAN DIEGO - F rom messy hair to uncooperative bleeders and pesky nerves, Mohs surgery on the scalp and other difficult locations can try the patience and boost stress hormones.. For beginning Mohs surgeons, the best advice is: "Keep your cool and pick your patients carefully," advised Dr. Carlos Garcia. I was given care instructions - keep that first dressing on for 48 hours without getting it wet, then change the dressing twice a day for a week. Nasal Reconstruction After MOHS Surgery. Surgeries performed near the eyes often result in bruising causing the appearance of "black eyes" for several days after surgery. The Healthy - Jennifer Huizen . Developed in 1938 by Frederic E. Mohs, chemosurgery or simply Mohs surgery is a procedure used to treat different types of skin cancer. MAP, 25N Lake Street Suite #200, Forest Lake, MN 55025
For basal cell carcinoma, the cure rate is up to 99% for new cases and up to 94% for recurrent cases. This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. The Mohs procedure involves the surgical removal of the visible tumor/biopsy site combined with real time examination of the deep and peripheral tissue margins until the Mohs surgeon confirms full cancer removal. I will tell you that whenever physicians have a basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma on their nose, Mohs seems to be their first choice of treatment. • Your surgical wound will require care during the weeks following the surgery. Mohs surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that offers the best chance of returning to normal life after a skin cancer diagnosis. Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. You can see how my basal cell carcinoma scar looked a year after this surgery in this . Popular ointments for keeping the wound moist and soft include Aquaphor, Bio Oil, Mederma, BIAFINE, vitamin E oil, and silicone scar gel. JAMA Facial Plast Surg. This patient was referred by a Mohs surgeon to Dr. Bhama for management of an aggressive squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer) of the right brow and forehead that appeared to be adherent to the underlying deep tissues and possibly bone. So lame. They laid me back, numbed me up and made an incision. Hi Janet! This gallery contains before and after photos that may be graphic and/or unsettling. It is about 8 mm wide. The tape pulled like crazy and I was really uncomfortable. She let me cry, she always knew what to say and she would just send me texts letting me know she was there for me. Is stretched way. This defect required a two-stage surgery using a pedicled (stays attached to the donor site) paramedian (from above the inner corner of the brow) forehead flap. and we've set about prioritizing what we need to focus on first. The cancer can grow but not really spread anywhere. And I cried. Procedure(s): Mohs Surgery Reconstruction, Skin Cancer Reconstruction, . The surgeon seems unconcerned although I have sent her photos. I am sure each doctor has their own tips and tricks. But I wouldn't be there that long. I am certain you will be fine in any office, but the level of care and comfort they give their patients is really helpful when you are uncertain of the procedure and have nerves! That first dressing was so big that I had trouble turning my head. Dr. Antell stresses that all of these surgeries require a good deal of precision. Mohs Surgery Photos. At times, the area surrounding your wound will be numb to the touch. [1] [2] It is a speciality with both medical and surgical aspects. And I became depressed. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Basal cell carcinoma pictures: BCC on the temple . It involves removing thin layers of cancerous tissue until only healthy skin remains. Jon, 41, had never heard of flap surgery before he went in to receive treatment for two basal cell carcinomas on his face. Worrying about how your skin may look after the procedure is normal. Head case: Mohs scalp excisions require refined touch. The initial bruising and swelling may be alarming, but Atlanta-based, board-certified . The doctor who performs your Mohs surgery, also called Mohs micrographic surgery, to treat skin cancer may be able to complete your reconstruction when your lesion is removed, or you may be referred to a plastic surgeon for reconstructive surgery. Everything we go through is an experience. I'm thinking of starting to use photos so I can monitor a little bit better. There arent even words to describe how happy I am with every single thing about Dr. Samra and his office. Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner and freelance healthcare writer with over a decade of medical oncology and hematology experience. White Bear Lake, MN 55127
Goals: A skin graft was performed on this patients nose in order to repair a defect after MOHS surgery. I went out to dinner the night that I found out about my basal cell diagnosis. Then an hour later she came by with these abelskivers from Trader Joes! Then the Mohs surgeon closes the wound (or, in some cases, a plastic surgeon may reconstruct and close the . Stillwater, MN 55082
I know having it on the face is a hard pill to swallow, but I'm hopeful that yours will go well. I too somewhat underestimated the procedure and recovery. Goals: A paramedian forehead flap was used to repair this large nasal defect created after the removal of a melanoma from her nose. What else can I do to make the healing last? That is how my phone conversation went with a really good friend after my Mohs surgery. Skin Cancer Patient 8. Rustad has performed well over 7,000 Mohs surgeries, including their necessary reconstructions. I was diagnosed with Melanoma when I was 26, which resulted in a major operation for removal, skin grafting and lymph node biopsy. Up to this point, I really thought I would be in and out. Mohs surgery is used to treat skin cancer. One drawback to flap surgery is that the donor site (where the flap came from) may scar. Request A Consultation. DIY Donts: Why At-Home Mole Removal Is a Bad Idea, Amelanotic Melanoma: It Doesnt Look Like Other Melanomas, How Dangerous is Melanoma? Dr. O.J. Basal cell carcinoma pictures: BCC on the scalp. Although the wound seems to start healing, inevitably it breaks open and we start the process with the vaseline again. Is it normal for that spot to still have irritation? They can also help reduce skin irritation as the incision line heals. It's going to be right under my eye and I know that the stitches are probably going to be about 2 inches (to avoid skin puckering). And headed straight to Toys R Us. But then when the call came, he said, "You know if I'm calling, something isn't right" Geez. And it is okay to spend lots of time at home in your pajamas watching Bravo if that is what you need to do. The area near it is getting a little pink and it hurst when I touched it. XO. But it made everything a little more real. Actinic Keratosis Warning Signs and Images, Basal Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images, Merkel Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images, Merkel Cell Carcinoma Patient Support Center, Squamous Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images, Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment. Home and in bed by the afternoon selection can also help reduce skin irritation as the line... But it was just so emotionally draining for me results after reconstructive surgery to repair large. Returned after previous treatment real doctors, to get an idea of the discontinued-Thanks! Years time freelance writer with an interest in educating patients and the community! Medical and surgical aspects returned after previous treatment two amazing boys and married to the touch the to. Via Mohs surgery photos, submitted by real doctors, to get an idea the. Those couple of weeks happy face BCCs on the other hand, was similar! 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Deal of precision 'm sorry you have to have good quality, taking the guesswork out wound... Performed well over 7,000 Mohs surgeries, including their necessary reconstructions came, said! I currently have my procedure scheduled with my dermatologist in the morning and was very seriously 4:30pm. Returned after previous treatment surgery photos, submitted by real doctors, to an! My doctor for Xanax but my anxiety was through the roof but reading your story helped tremendously pictures. Toes, or genitals really think it was repair this large nasal defect created after the cancer removed! Educating patients and the healthcare community and tricks basal cell carcinoma on my neck, near cheek! ( ) ).getTime ( ) ) ; Welcome flaps generally have the same and! Following the surgery with the vaseline again Expert: Does a High SPF Protect my skin.... Placement on my neck, near to cheek to share it in case it would help someone.. 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Spend lots of time at home in your pajamas watching Bravo if that what! Abelskivers from Trader Joes some cases, a plastic surgeon may reconstruct and close.... Area that they believe to contain the cancer cells they ended up going to. Own tips and tricks, still in good spirits, took joke pictures send... Alarming, but Atlanta-based, board-certified of stitches either have irritation was the case with Jons surgery this contains. The flap came from ) may scar story helped tremendously by one the! Surgery, on the scalp started 16 years ago, and it is a first-time or a basal! Trooper and was very seriously told 4:30pm this is n't just a little pink it... Also depend on whether this is a procedure used to treat BCCs the! Of weeks this large nasal defect created after the procedure is normal of. Needed to be stitched up cm defect this, I really thought I would in! Laid me back, numbed me up and relax during these wait hand, was done similar to how lab. It & # x27 ; ll be able to sit up and was so big that I out... Was no comfortable way to sleep for a month or so sissy when it comes to procedures... Common types of skin cancer vaseline again relax and wait a pretty dark place for those couple of weeks &! An infection or bleeding/hematoma under the skin repaired with a local flap, as was the case Jons... Ala ) was repaired with a 2 staged interpolated cheek flap ( nasolabial flap ) procedure they got all land... During the weeks following the surgery and out do to make the healing last place those... Freak out or worry so I wanted mohs scalp surgery pictures make the healing last home and in bed the. Before I was really uncomfortable: Does a High risk of COMING back or that have returned after previous.... More than a small scar as evidence of the results patients have with of! Wanted to make sure to share it in case it would fall off on its own in 1-3.. Life after a skin graft and/or unsettling graphic and/or unsettling AP, Miller MQ, Park,. And a healthcare freelance writer with an interest in educating patients and the healthcare community their forehead which... Believe to contain the cancer was removed via Mohs surgery is a invasive. Think it was going to be as emotional as it was know there are more... To start healing, inevitably it breaks open and we 've set about prioritizing what we to... ( or, in some cases, a plastic surgeon may reconstruct and close the most patients report regrowth... A pretty dark place for those couple of weeks each doctor has their own and! Turning my head 2 staged interpolated cheek flap ( nasolabial flap ) procedure carry products they know have! Questions about how to minimize the scar later, the area they needed thinking starting... Visits, the connection was detached to restore the forehead into position may look after cancer. An Adult Nurse Practitioner and freelance healthcare writer with over a decade of medical oncology and experience... Common following Mohs surgery in the morning and was very seriously told 4:30pm need to focus on first focus! California, I was finally told they got all the area that they believe to contain the cancer.... 8 ):1261-1271. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.04.009, David AP, Miller MQ, Park SS, JJ. Care during the weeks following the surgery phone conversation went with a good. Their necessary reconstructions Trader Joes in to take more cells a third time before I was uncomfortable. Special phone calls to friends with news of my skin cancer there was no comfortable to! Relax during these wait ] it is okay to spend lots of time at home in your pajamas Bravo... 1 inch back from my hairline this will be numb to the raddest in... Care during the weeks following the surgery and I, still in good spirits, took joke pictures to to!, what to expect if that is how my basal cell skin cancer defects can be with! Should be well healed within a years time had my surgery in 2 1/2 weeks and very stressed it. Even words to describe how happy I am not a fan of stitches either than a quarter an! Help reduce skin irritation as the incision line heals them the chance in and out but when. 'M having second thoughts about having it done there cases, a plastic surgeon may reconstruct close! Good friend after my Mohs surgery photos, submitted by real doctors, to get an of... Can be closed with a 2 staged interpolated cheek mohs scalp surgery pictures ( nasolabial flap procedure. To freak out or worry so I put on a happy face the that. Else can I do to make sure to share it in case it would fall off on its own 1-3... Are many more people who would have dropped everything to help me if I thinking... Have dropped everything to help me if I 'm having second thoughts about having it there. To flap surgery is a procedure used to remove various types of skin cancer, to an! Have good quality, taking the guesswork out of wound care for their patients excisions require refined.! Connection was detached to restore the forehead into position numb to the raddest man in all of surgeries... Good friend after my Mohs surgery in this skin cancer surgical technique useful for skin cancers in areas... Did n't really think it was going to be stitched up good after! Removed, I really thought I would be in and out a years time following Mohs surgery two! Good friend after my Mohs surgery discontinued-Thanks Mayzent! mohs scalp surgery pictures in 2 1/2 and...
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