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Slow Healing After Scalp Mohs Surgery

asked 2 years ago by Sandraj in Canada
Latest answer by Steven Hacker, MD
Question viewed 1,226 times

I had Mohs surgery over a year ago to remove basel cell from my scalp. Although the wound seems to start healing, inevitably it breaks open and we start the process with the vaseline again. This happens about every 4 to 6 weeks. What else can I do to make the healing last?

3 answers to Slow Healing After Scalp Mohs Surgery

+2

Non healing surgical site

Any surgical removal of skin cancer should be well healed within a years time. If your wound is not healing it is important to have your surgeon recheck this to make sure that there is no recurrence or residual tumor there.
Steven Hacker, MD

West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

www.palmbeachdermasurgery.com

+1

Non-healing wound on the scalp after Mohs surgery

Regardless of having conventional surgery or Mohs surgery, some wounds on the convex part of the scalp do continue to break down and almost heal and then break down again. Eventually, many of these heal, but some need further treatment. If the wound extends down to the bone, it may not heal without further surgical reconstruction.  If it is infected, or colonized with significant amount of bacteria or yeast, without infection, it may not fully heal.  There are different ways of... more
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

You should go back to see your Mohs surgeon

You did not specify if he/she closed the wound or left it to heal in on its own (secondary intention).  Regardless, if it is not healed one year after the fact, something is probably wrong, and this should be brought to the attention of your original surgeon. When I see wounds that don't heal over a year's time, I worry about a recurrent tumor.  It is very rare with Mohs to have a recurrence, but it does occasionally happen. 
Brent Spencer, MD

Frisco Dermatologic Surgeon

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