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DiscussionSkin squamous cell carcinoma (recurring)
Melanoma & Skin Cancer | Last Active: 17 hours ago | Replies (152)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "@grammato3 Thank you so much for your kind words. I haven't had a biopsy yet, however..."
@jodes1984
I think I replied to one of your post earlier. Please understand that SCC is very common and a type of skin cancer that is highly treatable and success rate very high. It is not a death sentence at all.
My first MOHS (I was not a Mayo then) told me, "If you are going to have to have cancer this is the one to pick). Again you have to know statistics for BCC and SCC treatments are extremely high.
Posters have said to you that you will not know if SCC, invasive, how deep and long if SCC. Then you will be given treatment options. You will see a lot like me mentioned MOHS. Why? It is a type of surgery that you do not leave treatment table until there is no signed of cancer in your margins.
The surgeon will remove the area identified by biopsy and then take to pathology. If there is not signs of cancer in the margins removed you are done. If there is any sign of cancer in margins the surgeon will remove it and margins and go through same process of taking ot pathology who will confirm if margins are now free of any cancer.
Please I don't know how to calm your anxiety but when you hear cancer you can have the anxiety and stress you are dealing with. Look up on web sites like Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, John Hopkins, and look for SCC and BCC success rates and types of treatments. This should help you with your anxiety.
@jodes1984 Like @grammato3 I have had many different skin cancers. And, yes, my melanoma was like hers, "amelanotic" with no color. There is a beauty of a 32 stitch scar on my right forearm as a souvenir of that surgery.
Anytime we find an area that doesn't look right, or we get checked, it really is natural for us to get anxious. I have had rapid-growing aggressive squamous cell cancers, too. Fortunately, my doctor takes me seriously if I need to call and tell them there is an area of concern. But, they will still do a biopsy to make sure, so the correct treatment is done.
We will be interested to see the results of your consult!
Ginger
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@jodes1984: I understand, the GP likely suspects this is the case based on how it looks (perhaps like a crater or non-healing scar that has been growing rapidly, also as explained here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/squamous-cell-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20352480) so it was wise of them to refer you to the dermatologist. Even in the US, getting in with a dermatologist within 2 weeks is not all that long of a wait although it can seem interminable when you have this type of worry on your mind. For ways to assist with this, try these suggestions: https://icononcology.com.my/news-articles/cancer-library/strategies-to-remain-calm-while-waiting-for-biopsy-results-my/
Quite honestly, I've had so many BCCs and SCCs, I cannot recall for sure how each one presented; even my melanoma appeared differently from typical ones you'd see in pictures as it was what is referred to as "amelanotyic" -lacking dark pigment - so my cases were probably different from yours. I got less and less concerned with each BCC and SCC as I'd become used to routine screening and more rapid identification and treatment which were mostly Mohs procedures. The melanoma did catch me by surprise and did cause stress prior to undergoing a wide local excission to remove it. Even in ensuing years and interventions that have followed as a result, I have successfully managed my condition. You're one step ahead of the game already knowing you have your appointment scheduled. When is the actual date for that so I can keep you in mind for you to follow up?