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Biopsy confirmed: I have squamous cell carcinoma
Cancer | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (52)Comment receiving replies
@ahappymomoffive
First I am not a medical professional so what I post is just my experience and knowledge I have learned from my dermatologist.
Basal cell and SCC are common skin cancers. They (and from my dermatiologist) are easily treated with great outcomes if caught early. The biggest danger is not getting it diagnosed and treated as can spread into muscles, tissues, and bones which require much more extensive treatments.
I think I have had 10 basal cells and one (SCC). I was told the SCC was most likely from HPV. Don't mistaken from HIV. HPV is a very common virus that almost all have but usually remains dormant. I had an injury to an area and that is where the SCC formed.
I had MOHS survery on all the basal cells and SCC. I chose MOHS as what they do is remove the area around skin cancer then review via pathologist to see if any sign of cancer has not been removed. If some still present will come back in an do more removal and keep doing that until no signs of cancer remain.
I only had one (1) surgery that required more removal of skin. A MOHS surgeon is specialty trained. The area was injected with a pain medication and you feel nothing. You should decide what surgery or treatment you want just posting what I had. There are many options for type treatments. Asked questions of all pros and cons of each and then do best for you.
I see Lorin the MCC monitor has already reached out to you for more information on your SCC diagnosis.
Good luck!
Replies to "@ahappymomoffive First I am not a medical professional so what I post is just my experience..."
I am 74 and have had multiple episodes of basal cell cancer and even more and larger squamous cell cancer.
I grew up on Long Island Sound and down the street from the beach. There was NO good sunscreen then! My dad also had it - he had very fair freckled skin. He was also on a ship in Pacific during WW2 so was exposed to sun.
I am a retired nurse. I have always understood that skin cancers often are from too much sun exposure. They are more common in people who work outdoors - think farmers, construction, golfers, etc.
I learned some of the highest rates are found in Australia (intense sun). I had one area on my L forearm - in Australia it’s usually on the R arm - they drive on the right. Ditto for facial cancers.
I have personally never heard of a relationship between HPV and skin cancers?
Use sunscreen and protective clothing! It works!
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Like you, I've had many skin cancers-- both Basal and Squamous, and unfortunately, quite a few other cancers, Several of which have been rare types.
I just wanted to say that some of my Mohs surgeries have been quite painful, especially the last one on my lip area. Because of the numerous nerves in that area, even repeated applications of pain medication did not remove all the pain. After months, my lip is very sensitive to touch and is also quite unattractive. I will not return to this surgeon because nothing can be done and I do not want more facial scars. I was never given a choice for any other type treatment.
Other Mohs surgeries in areas like my leg, were pain free.
So those of you who are facing a Mohs procedure, choose your treatment type carefully, especially if it is on your face.