There are a many different types of cancer, but one of the most common cancers that doctors see is skin cancer. There are approximately 5.4 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year. This affects approximately 3.3 million people, so most individuals that have skin cancer have it in multiple areas or multiple times. One of the most common ways to actually treat skin cancer is cutting it out. There is a procedure called Moh's Surgery in which the doctor continuously cuts out pieces of the infected tissue and examines the tissue. When all the cancerous tissue is removed, the surgery is over. This is a very effective procedure, but can be a little nerve wracking. Here are a few tips to make the surgery run more smooth.
Stop Taking Blood Thinners
A big problem in surgery is getting the blood under control. The doctor is going to be cutting into your skin, and there will be blood. However, if you have been taking blood thinners then the doctor is going to have a much harder time controlling the bleeding. There are over-the-counter blood thinners such as aspirin, but you should also be aware that there are also natural blood thinners. A few different things to stay away from are fish oil, garlic, ginger, vitamin E, ginkgo, feverfew, and tree ear mushrooms.
Get Topical Ointment
The last thing that you are going to want to do coming from surgery is go to the store. You do not want to have to go to the store to buy your topical ointments. One of the most important aspects of recovery is going to be keeping the area moist and disinfected. It is a very good idea to go to the store before you have the surgery and getting all ointments. You will want to get a good amount so you do not run out. This will save you a trip to the store right after the procedure and just allow you to go home.
Have Ride Home
If you do not deal with pain well, or if the skin cancer is on your face, then it is a good idea to get a ride home. Going through a medical procedure such as Moh's Surgery may cause some anxiety and a rise in adrenaline. You may not be in the best condition to drive. Just to keep you and everyone else safe, it is a very good idea to arrange a ride home from the doctor's office.
For more information about Moh's Surgery, talk to the staff at offices like Strnot Dermatology.
