WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE TUMOUR HAS BEEN REMOVED?
The number one priority is total removal of the skin cancer. Incompletely removed skin cancers can recur and endanger not only important structures such as the eye but also spread to other parts of the body. Mohs’ surgery, as with any surgery, may lead to bleeding, bruising and infection. These have already been mentioned and are easily controlled. Nerve damage is usually temporary and recovers but in some cases can be permanent if the cancer is extensive and the nerve is involved. Scarring from the surgery is usually limited and settles very well. Flaps and grafts take time to settle but improve significantly with time. They may require massage, cortisone injections or further surgery to improve the scar. Sometimes the extent of the skin cancer and the complexity of the wound may require a larger reconstruction which can leave more obvious scarring for some time. Doctor can discuss with you a range of options to deal with this circumstance.
