Squamous cell carcinoma on my face

We have to hang together on this out of whack planet! Thanks again! ❤🙏

I'm an 87-year-old male and have had 19 Mohs surgeries on my face in the last 20 years. Two or three were squamous, the rest basal. They have been on my chin, cheeks, nose and forehead. Sometimes there are scars left and sometimes you can't see anything. I have always driven to and from such surgeries. Yes, you will wear a bandage for a few weeks and also put vaseline on the spot. My dermatologist said, "The good news is that since you have had so many basal and squamous cell cancers, you probably will never get melanoma."

@ghiggins
I have had about 10 basal cells and one squamous. All were done by MOHS at Mayo Jacksonville.

I was given several options each time my biopsies came back positive and the type. I chose MOHS as the cancer is removed during one session. The surgeon takes the cancer off and surrounding tissues and then does pathology. If the surrounding tissues removed show no cancer, then it is over. If it does, then the surgeon (specially trained) will remove more.

I was told this procedure allows less skin and tissue removed but testing real time while you are still on table. I will give you my experience but cannot tell you what yours will be. They inject a pain medication. I felt nothing during surgery other than pressure. All but one surgery they got all the first time and only one had to take more.

Just listen to all options for treating it and make a decision of what is best for you.

I did not have stitches and a pressure bandage for 24 hours. After that stay out of water and use Vaseline to help heal. Some healed fast, some took longer. Some minor scarring on some most no scarring. And I have had them taken off all over the body including face and nose.

Good Luck!

@gach Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Thank you for sharing your story. I bet you have really developed a good relationship with your medical team, with all those procedures!
Ginger