Connect
← Return to Squamous cell carcinoma on my face
Discussion
Squamous cell carcinoma on my face
Skin Health | Last Active: 21 hours ago | Replies (20)Comment receiving replies
While waiting for my rheumatologist last Tuesday to see me prior to my maintenance chemo infusion this past Tuesday, I took a call from a dermatology office, informing me of squamous cells from the recent biopsy from the bridge of my nose. The "sore" had been cryotherapied twice before beginning late summer, along with an area on he top of my ear. Surgery is yet to be scheduled. I have a lot on my plate already with incurable ANCA Vasculitis, CHF, Type 2 Diab, and late stage kidney disease. But in addition to the place on my nose, my wife and I have noticed some suspicious bumps on top of my head. I am not bald. I just wondered if anyone else has had, or heard of a similar narrative. Thank you.
Replies to "While waiting for my rheumatologist last Tuesday to see me prior to my maintenance chemo infusion..."
I had squamous cell carcinoma on my upper arm. It started as a mole and quickly grew. I have a lot of moles and skin tags and birth marks, so it was hard to tell from the rest, except for it's growth becoming more of a 'bump'. I had it removed about 8 months ago and got rechecked with no issues. If you can do the surgery that you need in a timely manner, it will relieve your worries, at least for this. Sending good thoughts for all of your healing.
@pastorsam Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You've had good responses from @zygote and @bextruelove already!
I have had several squamous cell skin cancers, some removed by MOHS procedure, some removed by freezing them off. One time I asked my dermatologist how they decide which treatment options to do, and I know it was based on location, but now I cannot recall the details.
Having a compromised immune system seems to aid in the development of these skin cancers. I am on active treatment for a blood cancer, and also on dialysis. Careful watchdog of your skin and suspicious "bumps" or areas will go a long way to catching them before they get too bad.
Ginger
Connect
Squamous cell and basal cell cancer is quite common on the head. The left ear more so than the right because when you drive, the left ear is next to the window and the sun hits it more than the right. It would behove you to look up American College of Mohs Surgery: ACMS and go to a surgeon listed there as they are certified in mohs surgery and practiced in closure of the the defect. Mohs surgery is named after Frederic E. Mohs, the surgeon who developed the procedure in the 1920s. Mohs was a Wisconsin physician who pioneered the technique to remove skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Squamous is more agressive than basal cell, so although with a lot on your plate which is daunting, you should not put the surgery off for too long . Ensure that the dermatologist looks at your head each time you visit, if you are concerned. Good luck...