Patient guide
Skin Cancer / Mohs
Surgical removal of skin cancers with margin control; Mohs surgery spares tissue while maximising clearance.
What this guide covers: This guide covers candidacy, what happens during treatment, recovery timelines, red flags, and questions to ask before you travel.
Browse Dermatology providersQuick facts
- Typical stay
- 3–7 days
- Anaesthesia
- Local (+ sedation optional)
- Mohs duration
- Half-day common
Last reviewed: June 2026
Overview
What is skin cancer / mohs?
Skin cancer treatment ranges from standard excision to Mohs micrographic surgery, where tissue is examined in stages until margins are clear. International patients with basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas on the face may travel for Mohs expertise. Melanoma requires oncological pathways — not all lesions suit Mohs.
Directory
Compare licensed hospitals, clinics, and practices in Turkey that list skin cancer / mohs among their treatments.
Candidacy
Who is it for?
Patients with biopsy-proven non-melanoma skin cancer in cosmetically sensitive areas
Recurrent tumours after prior excision or radiation
Large or ill-defined lesions where tissue sparing matters
Cases where pathology mapping during surgery reduces re-excision rates
Treatment day
What happens
Biopsy confirmation
Diagnosis and subtype confirmed before definitive surgery. Imaging if deep invasion suspected.
Mohs or wide local excision
Mohs removes thin layers examined same day until clear margins. Standard excision takes wider margins in one step.
Wound repair
Linear closure, graft, or flap reconstruction planned depending on defect size and location.
Pathology and surveillance
Final report guides follow-up intervals. Sun protection and skin checks lifelong.
After treatment
Recovery timeline
Day of surgery
Mohs may take several hours. Keep dressing dry; elevation reduces swelling.
Next: Week 1Week 1
Suture removal per site. Bruising common around eyes for nasal lesions.
Next: Weeks 2–4Weeks 2–4
Scar care begins; avoid sun on incision.
Next: OngoingOngoing
Dermatology surveillance every 3–12 months based on risk.
Warning signs
Risks and red flags
These are warning signs that should give you pause — or cause you to walk away entirely. No reputable provider will object to being asked these questions.
Treating melanoma with Mohs outside specialist protocols
No on-site Mohs pathologist — false 'clear' margins
Cosmetic repair by inexperienced surgeons after large defects
Before you commit
Questions to ask
- Is Mohs indicated for my tumour type and location?
- Who reads the Mohs slides — fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon?
- What repair options exist if the defect is larger than expected?
- What follow-up schedule do you recommend after I return home?
Next steps
Research providers with confidence
This guide is for general information only and does not replace advice from a qualified clinician. Use our rankings and directory to compare licensed organisations before you commit.
Ready to research Skin Cancer / Mohs providers?
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