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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

skin cancer skin carcinoma skin neoplasm

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