Connect
Porokeratosis & skin cancer. Help!
Does anyone know if there is a way to stop or slow the cancer growth without chemo? Multiple moh’s done on lower legs but cancers keep showing up and with each mohs the Porokeratosis gets aggravated again. Any thoughts at all?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Support Group.
Connect
@allie4218: Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'd like to learn more about your situation and history with porokeratosis. This is one of the more uncommon but unfortunately chronic skin condition characterized by round scaly patches or rings surrounded by a raised outer border, of which there are three main types. Studies, such as those conducted by the NIH (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7932828/), have shown that a certain small percentage do have the tendency to become cancerous, which appears to have happened in your case.
While the cause of porokeratosis is generally attributed to genetics, UV radiation (sunlight) and/or a depressed immune system, it is possible that after procedures such as Mohs the local skin damage caused by the incision may contribute to these eruptions. I can understand how that's frustrating to deal with.
May I ask how many and what kind of skin cancer you've had? I'm also curious about the chemotherapy you inquired about as traditional chemotherapy - such as those provided via infusions, injections or pills - is not the general method of treating this condition. However, a chemo-type creamkapplied to the skin, known as 5-fluorouracil or the brand names Efudex, Carac, Fluoroplex, and Tolak, is often used to help more so to improve the appearance of the porokeratosis and may help prevent the advancement to cancerous growths. Other agents that can help achieve this can be retinoids or even topic statin-cholesterol containing agents. Additionally, while specific spots may be destroyed by laser, that technique does not necessarily prevent other lesions from occurring.
One of the best solutions for a chronic condition such as this is prevention and the best way to achieve that is avoiding sun exposure to the lower extremities. A good guideline, including photoprotective clothing, is included here: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-qa-what-do-i-need-to-know-about-skin-cancer-protection/
Have you discussed these concerns with your medical provider and, if so, what have they advised?