Lavender scent may ease anxiety during skin cancer surgery
NCT ID NCT06167096
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether smelling lavender essential oil during Mohs surgery for skin cancer can reduce patient anxiety and mask unpleasant odors. 89 adults having surgery on their head or neck took part. Researchers measured anxiety using standard questionnaires and asked about smell perception. The goal is to find a simple, non-drug way to improve patient comfort.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Lavender essential oil
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help patients feel calmer during skin cancer surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study. The effect may be small or due to the relaxing setting, not the lavender itself. People with allergies or smell issues were excluded.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Cleveland, Ohio, 44106-5065, United States
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