Skin squamous cell carcinoma (recurring)

@celia16
If you find out about this please post as many of us would like to know. I was told my last squanous cancer could be HPV caused. So I asked about being tested and was told yes but if positive nothing could be done about it.

Then I was told that HPV does not have to come from sex but can be caught in locker rooms, etc. Wow had no idea of that. I think the HPV virus is the one they are really push young teens to get as majority of (cervix cancers I think is type) are caused by it and of course males helping spread it so having them vaccinated too.

I’ll see what I can find. I’ve read pretty much the same thing about how you get it…..only from sexual contact, but….idk. It’s the internet.

I feel that seniors are not considered with this vaccine. Is it because they think everyone already has it by age 45? It’s confusing. Hopefully, I can get some answers and others will chime in.

Okay. I found article about Gardasil. I’m not sure if this link is allowed, but it seems the reason they don’t promote the vaccine in older people is because the cancer HPV can produce is slow growing. So, you would likely die from something else before the cancer progressed. To me, that’s flawed. Because, what if you did get the HPV from sex with partner A, because you couldn’t get the vaccine (condoms aren’t 100%) at age 56. Then, you unknowingly give it to your lover, partner B, 5 years later, who is age 40 and also not vaccinated? That’s not right. Why not offer everyone the opportunity?

Hello, I found this support group. I feel I have so much in common with everyone here. at least 35 SCC's, some treated when removed, some MOH's with one that came back twice. Now have another on my shin, which was removed 2 mos ago and has grown back. Will be seeing my 'puzzle' derm doc tomorrow. My situation arises from years of being on an immunosuppressant, and though I've been off since 2018 (Imuran) and 2010 for Prednisone after 30 yrs, they keep coming. I am allergic to the 5-fu....terrible response to it.
I looked at some of the post but didn't see my question. Has anyone received chemo treatment (shot) directly into the SCC? We had to do this after the 2nd MOHs (that came back twice). Not sure what treatment will be recommended tomorrow.... Thank you

@cicihi4
My own experience and reading post like yours about being on immunosuppressants possible causing SCCs.

All but one of my skin cancers (around 10) were BCC. I went through 30 rounds of radiation for prostate cancer in 2023. I had read it can affect your immune system as it puts a lot of strain on the body.

Then I got my first SCC months after my treatments ended. I had never had a SCC and all BCC were in sun damaged area. The SCC was not in a sun damaged area. The dermatologist said it was most likely caused by HPV virus.

I was shocked and inquired about it as had been monoquomos (spell) for over 40 years. I was told almost all adults have HPV and usually remain dormant. I then enquired further and was told you can pick it up in locker rooms and other situations not just from intimacy.

There was a poster on MCC who had come down with a medical issue who posted about his doctor saying radiation can cause immune issues as body fights the damage. I am not sure what his medical issue was (forget) but the doctor associated it with receiving radiation affecting his immune system.

I am not a medical professional at all but I keep reading and from my own personal experience keep reading the role of immune system and SCC caused by HPV.

If anyone knows of a study about his possible connection would surely like to read it. I am coming up on my 2nd year after my radiation treatments.

@cicihi4 I'm glad you found us, too!

I'd actually seen your question before I had my own dermatology appointment this morning for another skin biopsy of my own - I've had several as well; SCCs, BCCs and currently treating for melanoma. She stated she was not aware of any association with immunotherapy and increased risk but immunosuppressants can weaken the immune system, thereby lessening the ability to detect and eliminate abnormal cells and increasing the risk of developing cancer, just as radiation treatments can interfere with the DNA and cell replication. That's why frequent skin checks are recommended for individuals undergoing such interventions.

I'm wondering if the treatment you had previously was Intralesional methotrexate? Methotrexate - or MTX - is a common chemotherapeutic drug that interferes with cell division and can be used to successfully treat cancerous growth.

Can you let us know how your appointment goes tomorrow?

I had a maternal uncle who lived to just short of his 95th birthday. He was treated for Hairy Cell Leukemia for the last 20-25 years of his life with, among other thigs, Interferon by infusion, whenever his platelet level required it. He also had major squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) on the tops of both ears. The top half of his ears were missing for at least 5-10 years. I always assumed he got the SCCs from working outside in construction most of his life and wearing a baseball type cap, which exposes the tops of ears. He let the last one go for so long that it spread down his cheek into the lymph nodes in his mouth. The surgery and treatment left him with a lack of saliva and the loss of his taste buds. After being separated by 400 miles for 40 years, I moved closer, and I took him shopping every couple of weeks and to dinner afterwards and he would complain about the food having no flavor.
Now, I'm wondering if the immunotherapy he received for so many years played a role in his SCCs. It's been 15 years since he passed, and I don't remember him having any other skin cancers but it's not likely it would have been something he talked about.

Good evening,
It was another SCC and it grew out of one that was treated in April with (? EGD&C). This is the 2nd time this has happened. The last one was tx'd, then MOHs twice, then the chemo injection, I do not know what the medicine in it was called other than chemo... never thought to ask today.
I had several options today...wait and do MOH's when I could get an appt, do the chemo shots (once a week for 4-5 weeks (an hour drive for me) or have it excised with a larger diameter and deeper, and wait for bx to see if all edges clear and if not, then will do MOH's. This one is on my shin, and not a lot of skin for stitches... I chose the latter one for now... bx results in about 10 days.
Will let you know. AND I do go for skin checks - started at 3 mos, then 4 mos and moved to 6 mos, but this time only made 2mos then 2 mos later. My regular appt is in August...pending what bx shows.
Hey, it could be worse. My husband developed Merkel Cell Carcinoma, so when hearing melanoma - even that can be worse.

@cicihi4 You do have quite a drive to get to your "puzzle" doctor as you call your dermatologist! Cute way to phrase it - I assume that's because they need to figure out what's going on is like putting together pieces of a puzzle?

So if I'm understanding correctly, you were given three options for treatment of this latest puzzle - the "solution" of which was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and you chose a large, deep excision in the shin with results pending to be certain all the margins are clear? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'd imagine that would require less stitches than MOH's; still uncomfortable but not as intensive, is that a fair assessment?

Merkel Cell Carcinoma is intense; fortunately treatment is available for that as well. Sounds like you have a good provider who is staying well on top of surveillance and wisely including you in decision making. I'll be away the first two weeks of August but can you tell me how your visit goes then, or if you hear more prior to that visit?

You assessed that quite well. She is a specialist who deals with issues in dermatology when things don't follow the norm.
The incision that I chose is considered an open wound for healing, so will take awhile. if MOHs is needed then figure he would stitch but my skin is thin and its on the shin.. UGH. Oh well.
As for the Merkel Cell, yes my husband passed away. His skin was checked every 3 mos and it was caught early. He also was an 8 yr survivor of Multiple Myeloma, so his immune system was compromised. I do know one person with it, with no other medical issues, he is now a 3yr survivor.
I'll try to remember to let you know bx results.

Connie