Hi Pam, I had Mohs surgery on the top of my head for a Squamous cell carcinoma that went undetected until it got quite large. Originally diagnosed as actinic keratosis and treated with cortisone cream. After the second cut I felt hustled out of the office because it was closing time. Tests came back negative, margins clear, CT scan showed no evidence of lymph node or other problem. Genetic test came back "intermediate" risk , (fair skin) so radiation therapy recommended. I declined. Radiation on the top of my head didn't sound appealing. I am scheduled for CT scan in 3 mo. I am very interested to hear how you made out with your plastic surgeon and radiation therapy. Hope everything is going well for you. Margaret

Hi Don, The Plastic Surgeon recommended Nasal reconstruction with open septorhinoplasty with a cartilage graft and scar release. She said that it takes a whole year for the skin to totally heal. She wasn't clear about increasing the size of the r nostril. I think she is concerned that the cartilage that was removed during surgery could collapse. I am afraid that I will go through this surgery and then the cancer will return.
After leaving her office I have questions of timing. Thank God for Patient Portals. I plan on putting all my thoughts and questions together about timing of this surgery and how long would I would need to wait to get radiation! She was confident that she could release the scar tissue that is also pulling up my right lip.
Did you have reconstruction after your Surgery!

Pam