must a biopsy be done prior to a mohs surgery or is the mohs procedure ever done for both? I do not have insurance and am thinking that doing a Mohs procedure would possibly save me money in the long run. My lesion is on my shin.
Do You Have to Have a Biopsy Before Mohs Surgery?
Doctor Answers (5)
Do i need a biopsy before mohs surgery
Yes. Mohs' surgery is a technique used to evaluate the margins only, it does not diagnose skin cancer. Therefore prior to Mohs' a biopsy must ALWAYS be done, although can be done immediately prior to Mohs'.
Biopsy Before Mohs Surgery?
Yes, you need a biopsy. A biopsy is performed on a lesion that is suspicious for skin cancer. The biopsy confirms that the lesion is indeed a skin cancer. What if it's not a skin cancer? What if it's a precancer (i.e. actinic keratosis) or wart? Then you would be able to avoid the cost of the Mohs surgery and get the appropriate treatment. Biopsy first. If it's a skin cancer, then based on the results of the biopsy you can determine what is the best option for treatment.
A biopsy is a must before Mohs surgery
Prior to performing surgery for a skin cancer using Mohs micrographic surgery, the diagnosis should be confirmed with a biopsy, otherwise, you might undergo unnecessary surgery, with risks that are not warranted. The biopsy could be a frozen biopsy and if the results prove there to be a skin cancer, then the Mohs surgery could be done. Usually, a biopsy is done in a standard fashion and sent to a laboratory for permanent section analysis (not frozen). Then when the result returns days later, the surgery is scheduled if needed.
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Yes, You Need a Biopsy
A biopsy is performed to establish a diagnosis of skin cancer. Mohs surgery is best applied for well differentiated skin cancers (BCCA, SCCA) in sensitive anatomic areas.
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.