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MOHs Surgery Vs Surgical Excision for Non-face BCC While Pregnant?

asked 7 months ago by Cat111
Latest answer by Brent Spencer, MD
Question viewed 101 times
Tags: abdomen, basal cell carcinoma, comparison, excision, pregnancy

I had a biopsy done for a 6.6mm mole on the right side of my abdomen and it came back as basal cell carcinoma. I am four months pregnant and trying to schedule and appointment for surgery in the next few weeks. Even though the mole was not on my face, I would like to have a MOH's surgery done instead a regular surgical excision (since the MOS's procedure seems to give a higher cure rate). Is my decision correct? Is the recovery harder after MOHs because I am pregnant? Thank you.

2 answers to MOHs Surgery Vs Surgical Excision for Non-face BCC While Pregnant?

+1

Standard surgical excision should be fine

A 6.6 mm BCC on the abdomen does not meet appropriate use criteria for Mohs surgery. A standard surgical excision is the appropriate treatment. Both offer very high cure rates. If the procedure is done under local anesthesia, your pregnancy should not be a major issue. I am a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and a strong believer in the procedure, but your situation is not an appropriate use for Mohs. In an ideal world, we would do Mohs for every skin... more
Brent Spencer, MD

Frisco Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Basal Cell on Abdomen

Many insurance plans will not cover Mohs on the abdomen unless the basal cell is recurrent. The reason is that you will have a very high cure rate either way. Being four months pregnant is not an issue. Minor surgical procedures under local anesthesia are well tolerated during pregnancy. Being pregnant, I am sure your doctor and nurses will give you extra TLC. Take care.
T. Wayne Day, MD

Nashville Dermatologic Surgeon

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