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The principle of confocal microscopy. See more below on our dedicated device, reducing biopsies and improving diagnosis.
The prime task is to ensure that Mohs surgery is the right choice for you. Our London clinics offer a range of skin cancer treatment and non surgical options are always considered.
We appreciate you may have seen a dermatologist, been referred by them, or another specialist. Mohs is a successful, sophisticated procedure they could have suggested and we may agree, reviewing options simply makes sense.
Pre Mohs Diagnosis
As part of this review, your consultant will examine you and discuss your medical history, hereditary aspects, symptoms you have experienced, or any recent changes to them.
Dermoscopy is likely to form part of the examination, looking at the your skin through a high quality, hand held microscope, with a powerful lighting system. This has the ability to capture detailed images, which aid viewing, or diagnosis.
Your consultant may also use our laser scanning, confocal microscope. The basis is explained in the video above, although our confocal device is specifically built for skin examination and the only one of its type in a UK private dermatology clinic.
This is not restricted to examining samples, the microscope is used live (quite painlessly) on your skin. Able to see and analyse at a finely detailed, cellular level, often avoiding biopsies and bringing instant results.
On occasions when a biopsy is still required, the tissue sample is tested in a state of the art dermatopathology lab. Whatever is required to establish your condition and leave the specialist entirely satisfied will be made available.
Should Mohs surgery be seen as the best option, this can be discussed in as much detail as you wish. Where you are happy to proceed, an appointment will be made for you as soon as possible.
Preparation For Mohs Surgery
We will ask what medication you are taking and advise which you can continue to take before surgery. Some medications, or supplements increase the chance of post operative bleeding, such as ginseng.
Medication prescribed by your doctor, such as warfarin or aspirin should normally be continued but discussed with your Skin Care Network consultant.
You should try to get a good night’s sleep before the day of the operation and eat normally on the day. Casual, layered clothing is advised for your comfort.
You are welcome to bring a book, or portable computer for the waiting time in between stages. If you wish to bring a companion with you, they are welcome. We do advise that you arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
Procedure On The Day
Mohs surgery is a day surgery procedure, normally half a day. This will be under local anesthesia and you remain awake throughout the procedure. There should be no, or little discomfort.
As you may have read in our introduction to Mohs surgery, any visible tumour and infected tissue are removed stage by stage, in controlled, thin layers.
Most Mohs surgery cases are completed in three to four hours. You will be able to rest for as long as you wish afterwards, your surgeon will discuss post operative care with you.