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Squamous Cell Cancer Upper Lip and Philtrum

Posted by moorjan3 @moorjan3, May 19 11:01am

I had MOHS surgery 6 weeks ago for squamous cell upper lip and left philtrum. I am still so very uncomfortable pulling and tightness and the symmetry of my mouth is still pulling to the left a lot. Looking for others with similar experience and expectations on healing.

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moorjan3 | @moorjan3 | 2 days ago
In reply to @grammato3 "@moorjan3 Yes, I did have two laser treatments performed in 2020 and perhaps the early part..." + (show)
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@moorjan3 Yes, I did have two laser treatments performed in 2020 and perhaps the early part of 2021 but I don't recall if there was a particular name associated with them. They were done at my dermatologist's office. I do know that C02 fractional laser does help tremendously with scan improvement so I'm going to venture to guess this was the procedure I had. I believe all laser treatments carry some initial effects of potential reddness with a burning type sensation similar to what you'd feel with a sunburn this doesn't last long and the results were quite good in my case. Let me know how it goes for you. How many treatments are you anticipating?

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@grammato3 Thank you. I am not sure yet of how many laser treatments. They are first waiting to see if the Kenalog gives me some relief from all the discomfort and tightness. Then we move on to the laser in August. How long after your surgery did you start the laser treatment if you recall?
Thank you.

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Susan, Volunteer Mentor | @grammato3 | 1 day ago
In reply to @moorjan3 "@grammato3 Thank you. I am not sure yet of how many laser treatments. They are first..." + (show)
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@grammato3 Thank you. I am not sure yet of how many laser treatments. They are first waiting to see if the Kenalog gives me some relief from all the discomfort and tightness. Then we move on to the laser in August. How long after your surgery did you start the laser treatment if you recall?
Thank you.

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@moorjan3: I had surgery in June and a revision in August with first laser done in October I believe it was. Now in my case it was for aesthetic purposes but the laser treatment does help to soften scar tissue and improve flexibility which ought to assist your healing if the Kenalog isn’t fully effective.
It’s still relatively early for you so as uncomfortable as you may feel now I’m going to remain optimistic that you’ll be seeing improvement. Please keep me updated.

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moorjan3 | @moorjan3 | 1 day ago

Thank you. Do you mind if I ask what type of revision needed to be done? This is helpful. They are looking at August right now for the laser and it would also be for aesthetic purposes as well. Even better if it can soften things. Hoping for improvement as you mention above sooner.
Thank you.

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Susan, Volunteer Mentor | @grammato3 | 1 day ago
In reply to @moorjan3 "Thank you. Do you mind if I ask what type of revision needed to be done?..." + (show)
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Thank you. Do you mind if I ask what type of revision needed to be done? This is helpful. They are looking at August right now for the laser and it would also be for aesthetic purposes as well. Even better if it can soften things. Hoping for improvement as you mention above sooner.
Thank you.

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@moorjan3 Oh, I should have been more specific about that - sorry. My revision was actually due to not having clear margins after my WLE (wide local excision) which was surprising to my surgeon and of course to me! In fact, the pathology had to be sent to Mayo Phoenix from the the facility where I had the procedure performed in Scottsdale, AZ because it was so difficult to determine. I needed to have the wound re-opened and have a slow-Moh's performed to be certain that the melanoma from that site had been removed. Did that contribute to my unsightly scar formation? Probably, but the end result has been favorable at least in terms of appearance and function.

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