Mohs Surgery After Excision
My dermatologist excised a skin lesion that turned out to be basal cell carcinoma. She referred me to a Mohs surgeon. I have been afraid to go and the wound is starting to heal over. It is still red and painful. Is it too late for Mohs Surgery?
Please, please see your dermatologist to have your wound examined, even if you haven't followed her referral. She will know how to proceed, but you shouldn't just let it go.
I agree with seeing the dermatologist and not letting things go. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with our community. Scott skincancer.net team member
...Just wanted to check back in with you to see how things are going. Were you able to have the excision site rechecked? I hope things are going well for you and you are healing smoothly. We are always here for you, April, SkinCancer.net, Moderator Why would the Mohs surgeon not recommend stitches when either stitches or open wound were options? Everything I read says stitches leave less scarring and less chance of infection. Can you read this and reply to me?
...You bring up a really good point. I am not sure why a doctor makes the call to leave one wound open and stitch another. I would guess it has something to do with the area being excised and maybe the elasticity of the skin in that area of the body.
I have had three Mohs surgeries and two excisions. All of mine have been stitched and scarring is very minimal. My mother has had a couple of places left open. We have different doctors and our surgeries were done at different stages in our lives.
Caring for a wound after surgery is important. It sounds like we think a lot alike--I would want to go the easiest route and lessen my chances of developing an infection.
I would suggest you try to address your concerns with your doctor. He/she should be able to ease your fears and explain why an open wound is a better choice in your case.
I am keeping you in my thoughts! Keep us updated!
April, SkinCancer.net, Moderator
The Mohs surgeon didn’t make a decision. He required me to decide. I don’t inderstand that!
...I am so sorry. There seems to be a big difference across the board in the way surgeons handle decisions like this. I think you are definitely doing the right thing now, though. You are researching the best way to care for the wound you have. You are being proactive and practicing self-care.
I am keeping you in my thoughts as you continue to heal and hoping the worst of the experience is soon far behind you.
Hugs, April, SkinCancer.net, Moderator
