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Squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp (skin)

Posted by cam108 @cam108, Nov 14, 2022

This is on behalf of my father recently diagnosed with squamous cell
Carcinoma on his scalp. He’s 95 and debating on getting the MOHS procedure done. He has mobility issues and not a lot of energy. If he chooses to leave it untreated (it’s 2 1/2” in diameter now) what will his life be like. Dying of cancer can be quite awful I understand. Has/is anybody else dealing with this decision for themselves or a loved one?

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marye2 | @marye2 | Nov 29, 2024
In reply to @kenc "I had the cancer on my arm. The doctor cut it out and bandaged it up..." + (show)
@kenc

I had the cancer on my arm. The doctor cut it out and bandaged it up and said I was fine.

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They send the first cut to the pathologist and then, depending on the type of cancer, they may use MOHS. Did they call you and tell you it was clear?

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1 reply
kenc | @kenc | Nov 29, 2024
In reply to @marye2 "They send the first cut to the pathologist and then, depending on the type of cancer,..." + (show)
@marye2

They send the first cut to the pathologist and then, depending on the type of cancer, they may use MOHS. Did they call you and tell you it was clear?

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Yes.

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grammato3 | @grammato3 | Nov 30, 2024

My dad lived till past 99 and up until then continued to be treated for both basal and squamous cell carcinomas, undergoing Moh's procedures without incident, Aside from requiring assistance to doctors offices, didn't affect his mobility at all and had no issues with the procedures or healing process. All the best to your dad!

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informationplease | @informationplease | Dec 17, 2024

12/17 Am about to experience what you went through & they want to do the Mohs surgery; am wondering if a chemo ointment type would suffice instead, especially from what you mentioned, the surgery area looking like a deep wrinkle. Trying not to experience too much anxiety on this matter ~ Hopefully, there will be suggestions to my pending procedure.

Any suggestions?

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1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 27, 2024
In reply to @informationplease "12/17 Am about to experience what you went through & they want to do the Mohs..." + (show)
@informationplease

12/17 Am about to experience what you went through & they want to do the Mohs surgery; am wondering if a chemo ointment type would suffice instead, especially from what you mentioned, the surgery area looking like a deep wrinkle. Trying not to experience too much anxiety on this matter ~ Hopefully, there will be suggestions to my pending procedure.

Any suggestions?

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@informationplease, I see you're concerned about MOHs surgery. Have you talked to your team if other treatments like topical chemo might be an option for you? Have you decided to have the surgery done?

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1 reply
informationplease | @informationplease | Dec 27, 2024
In reply to @colleenyoung "@informationplease, I see you're concerned about MOHs surgery. Have you talked to your team if other..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@informationplease, I see you're concerned about MOHs surgery. Have you talked to your team if other treatments like topical chemo might be an option for you? Have you decided to have the surgery done?

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When I went for the 2nd opinion, I brought up that topic and they did not seem like topical might be an option was not for me; am scheduled for the Mohs surgery later in January, 2025. Lord willing, all will go well.

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lips702 | @lips702 | Dec 28, 2024

Where is the lesion located?
I have had several Mohs surgeries on my legs, too many.
It's very successful!

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1 reply
informationplease | @informationplease | Dec 28, 2024
In reply to @lips702 "Where is the lesion located? I have had several Mohs surgeries on my legs, too many...." + (show)
@lips702

Where is the lesion located?
I have had several Mohs surgeries on my legs, too many.
It's very successful!

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One on my scalp and the other on my cheek, the left side.

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mswanick | @mswanick | Jan 2 2:37pm
In reply to @colleenyoung "Welcome @cam108, I'm tagging fellow caregivers who have experience with squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Welcome @cam108, I'm tagging fellow caregivers who have experience with squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp like @gaybinator and @sylviapf. They can share their experiences with you.

As you may know already, squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It’s more common in people with fair skin and on areas of skin heavily exposed to the sun, including the scalp. Squamous cell cancer is generally very treatable and curable when found early. Mohs surgery is typically used when this type of cancer appears on the head or neck.

Cam, I can tell that you are very worried about your father and concerned about making the right choices considering his age and other conditions. I think you are asking all the right questions that you (and he) should discuss with his care team. I would ask questions like:
- What stage is the cancer?
- What is recovery from Mohs surgery like?
- Can the lesion be completely removed with surgery or are other treatments necessary?
- How many appointments will my father have?
- What will happen if he refuses treatment?
- How can he be kept comfortable and pain free?
- Is palliative care available?

What questions would you add? Do you accompany your father to his appointments?

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Curious if anyone else has experienced hair loss b/c of squamous and/or basil CC on the scalp? I'm 65 and was recently diagnosed with SCC on the neck and BCC on the top of head. Since diagnosis, my hair on my head has largely fallen out. At first, I attributed it to getting old, but it has fallen out so fast that I figured it can't be age related but must be connected with BCC or SCC. Has anyone else experienced this? BTW, they are treating the BCC with F5 on the scalp and trying not to do a MOHs surgery on the top of my scalp. Hope it works.

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1 reply
grammato3 | @grammato3 | Jan 3 9:54am
In reply to @mswanick "Curious if anyone else has experienced hair loss b/c of squamous and/or basil CC on the..." + (show)
@mswanick

Curious if anyone else has experienced hair loss b/c of squamous and/or basil CC on the scalp? I'm 65 and was recently diagnosed with SCC on the neck and BCC on the top of head. Since diagnosis, my hair on my head has largely fallen out. At first, I attributed it to getting old, but it has fallen out so fast that I figured it can't be age related but must be connected with BCC or SCC. Has anyone else experienced this? BTW, they are treating the BCC with F5 on the scalp and trying not to do a MOHs surgery on the top of my scalp. Hope it works.

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Although I have experienced hair thinning due to genetic and hormonal factors (and as an aside, I've found taking minoxidil 2.5 mg as prescribed by one of my providers has restored my hair growth tremendously) I have not experienced hair loss due to either basal or squamous cell CA, of which I've had several. I do recall one on my scalp for which I had Moh's - again, I've had several of those procedures as well - without any untoward effects.

My hairdresser - of all people - had a large SCC on her scalp that had requried a large WLE for which she required extensive shaving of the hair in the area. She wore hats and hairpieces while also undergoing I believe some red light therapy (I can't vouch for the effectiveness of such treatment) but I can say now, nearly 2 years later, her luxurious locks have been returned to thier pre-SCC state.

Good luck with your treatment.

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