Biopsy confirmed: I have squamous cell carcinoma

Welcome to Connect, @ahappymomoffive. Your @name made me smile…5 children! You’ve been a very busy mom over the years and weathered a lot of issues. But I’m sure, reading a biopsy report and finding that you have a skin cancer has you a little rattled.
Would you mind sharing a little more about what led to the biopsy and where your skin cancer is located? Have you had a consultation with your doctor yet about the biopsy results?

You will be OK ,, let this forum know what type and those with same or similar will support you with their own experiences . I just finished treatment at Mayo for SCC anal cancer These folks who contribute ideas and encouragement are great.. you will be part of the group. Take Care of yourself . Breathe , write . hugs to you

@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!

Squamous cell of the skin is most often succesfully cured treated with Mohs surgery if it is on the head and neck. I’m hoping that you were notified by
the nurse or treating physician with some additional information. At times
it is hard to reach out to the surgeon or practice during holiday weeks.

It's always alarming to get a diagnosis of anything that has the word "carcinoma" or "cancer" in it so your concern is certainly understandable. The good news is, as others have indicated, SCC is generally quite treatable. Personally, I have had quite a few - all readily treated with Moh's surgery within the dermatologist's office with minimal discomfort and follow up. Wishing you well!

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.