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!
@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!
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.
Good info about SCC. Highly treatable and curable with prompt diagnosis. Even though I regularly have skin checks, one got away from the original tumor and metastasized. It is VERY uncommon but not unheard of, so treatment was full cancer typical, surgery, chemo, radiation. Don’t ignore what’s obvious…. Which sounds like you aren’t. Blessings
I played a lot of golf in the sunshine state of California . Every year I visit my dermatologist and have my basil cell spots removed with "Liquid Nitrogen " . The Squamous on my head my GP removed in his office ( cancer was confirmed by Biopsy ) Futher home treatment was Efudex topical chemo cream .
My wife , many , many years ago had a Mohs procedure on her nose - no issue ever since .
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.
@mermaid7272
Really sorry about some of your outcomes.
I am a patient of Mayo Jacksonville. Every time (and lots of them) I was given treatment options. I can't remember all of them but some were freezing, and many other options.
What I did the first time I had Mayo detect BCC and SCC cancers was to research both. I also asked questions about the options I was given to treat it. The one on my nose did leave a small indentation and took a long time to heal. The one in my groin area also took a long time to heal.
If I was going to a dermatologist who did not give me options for treatment I would see someone else. I know many don't have access to an outstanding medical facility like I do at Mayo Jacksonville but even a drive would should be considered to get the best care.
I try so hard now to cover sun exposure and put sun screen on. But the SCC occurred in a non sun area and I was told sine it appearted out a injury area was probably the cause of HPV. I asked after than could I get a vaccine for this and was told too late. The vaccine was to prevent it not treat it after you have it.
I was told almost all HPV stays dormant but somethings can trigger it. I wonder but don't know if my prostrate cancer treatment in 2023 could have caused a trigger. But I don't dwell on it the SCC was treated and was successful.
I agree with you that every person should really be careful about what treatment you want to have. Do research, asked questions, and if you are not satisified seek a different provider who does give options and had the expereince and knowledge to do those type surgeries.
I played a lot of golf in the sunshine state of California . Every year I visit my dermatologist and have my basil cell spots removed with "Liquid Nitrogen " . The Squamous on my head my GP removed in his office ( cancer was confirmed by Biopsy ) Futher home treatment was Efudex topical chemo cream .
My wife , many , many years ago had a Mohs procedure on her nose - no issue ever since .
@clandeboye1
I grew up in Florida. When you went back to school on Mondays how sunburn you were was how much fun you had over weekend. This continued for me until much much later in life when dermatologist started saying prevent sunburns and wear sun screen.
So I am paying the price now for all those fun sun burn days.
When you mention Liquid Nitrogen to burn off basal cell spots. I think these are pre cancer spots. Dermatologist can see them using a special light and then remove them with liquid nitrogen. I could not even give you a number of how many of these I had done probably in the hundreds.
It would take a biopsy to determine if an area was Basal or Squamous. And again I could not even give an accurate number of biopsies I have had but most come back negative. Mayo dermatology does not play around with may be or may not be they do a biopsy if there is any chance could already be a cancer.
I am in good hands.
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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?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
10 ReactionsYou 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
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
16 Reactions@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!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
9 ReactionsSquamous 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.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
9 ReactionsIt'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 -
Helpful -
Hug
9 ReactionsLike 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.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
8 ReactionsGood info about SCC. Highly treatable and curable with prompt diagnosis. Even though I regularly have skin checks, one got away from the original tumor and metastasized. It is VERY uncommon but not unheard of, so treatment was full cancer typical, surgery, chemo, radiation. Don’t ignore what’s obvious…. Which sounds like you aren’t. Blessings
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
7 ReactionsI played a lot of golf in the sunshine state of California . Every year I visit my dermatologist and have my basil cell spots removed with "Liquid Nitrogen " . The Squamous on my head my GP removed in his office ( cancer was confirmed by Biopsy ) Futher home treatment was Efudex topical chemo cream .
My wife , many , many years ago had a Mohs procedure on her nose - no issue ever since .
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
8 Reactions@mermaid7272
Really sorry about some of your outcomes.
I am a patient of Mayo Jacksonville. Every time (and lots of them) I was given treatment options. I can't remember all of them but some were freezing, and many other options.
What I did the first time I had Mayo detect BCC and SCC cancers was to research both. I also asked questions about the options I was given to treat it. The one on my nose did leave a small indentation and took a long time to heal. The one in my groin area also took a long time to heal.
If I was going to a dermatologist who did not give me options for treatment I would see someone else. I know many don't have access to an outstanding medical facility like I do at Mayo Jacksonville but even a drive would should be considered to get the best care.
I try so hard now to cover sun exposure and put sun screen on. But the SCC occurred in a non sun area and I was told sine it appearted out a injury area was probably the cause of HPV. I asked after than could I get a vaccine for this and was told too late. The vaccine was to prevent it not treat it after you have it.
I was told almost all HPV stays dormant but somethings can trigger it. I wonder but don't know if my prostrate cancer treatment in 2023 could have caused a trigger. But I don't dwell on it the SCC was treated and was successful.
I agree with you that every person should really be careful about what treatment you want to have. Do research, asked questions, and if you are not satisified seek a different provider who does give options and had the expereince and knowledge to do those type surgeries.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 Reactions@clandeboye1
I grew up in Florida. When you went back to school on Mondays how sunburn you were was how much fun you had over weekend. This continued for me until much much later in life when dermatologist started saying prevent sunburns and wear sun screen.
So I am paying the price now for all those fun sun burn days.
When you mention Liquid Nitrogen to burn off basal cell spots. I think these are pre cancer spots. Dermatologist can see them using a special light and then remove them with liquid nitrogen. I could not even give you a number of how many of these I had done probably in the hundreds.
It would take a biopsy to determine if an area was Basal or Squamous. And again I could not even give an accurate number of biopsies I have had but most come back negative. Mayo dermatology does not play around with may be or may not be they do a biopsy if there is any chance could already be a cancer.
I am in good hands.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 Reactions