Skin squamous cell carcinoma (recurring)

I am a patient a Mayo Jacksonville. I have dermatology exam every 6 months. Since 2006 have had so many burn off areas can't even count. In the past I had basal cell cancer removed I think 3 time. A year ago had squamous on nose that a biopsy found but needed further surgery and MOHS was done.

Although pain free other than the lanacaine took forever to heal. Today I had squamous cancer removed again from an area never expected to have skin cancer. The entire surgery procedure (MOHS) was just outstanding. Other that a slight ping when first lanacaine was done the surgery was painless. The surgeon and medical assistant could not have been any more professional, courteous, and ensuring I was comfortable, painless, and knew every thing being done.

I read a post about treatments. When my dermatologist did my biopsy and came back positive for additional treatments for squamous she gave me many treatment options. MOHs was just one of many options I was given. I do not know where the person went but should have been given many options to chose from.

Not sure if this same person has opportunity to go to Mayo but I go to Jacksonville Mayo and the dermatology (as well as all other departments as well) department is outstanding.

I do everything I can to minimize sun damage now but told it is the sun damage from 20/30 years ago. But then I got squamous in an area that does not get sun damage. So figure. I am 76 so I guess this old body is just getting old and everything that can go wrong is. Six stitches (3 internal 3 outer) this time but like all of us are told I caught it early and thus that is the key with any basal cell and squamous cures.

Can't express the need to do self exams and have regular exams a long with showing any areas of concern no matter where at along with all area inspection of skin. And having experienced and dedicated dermatology teams and surgeons to treat you.

So glad you’ve had positive experiences and been able to care for you SCCs relatively easily. Mine have almost exclusively been on my legs which take FOREVER to heal (one MOHS procedure from early July is still not closed). If you follow the thread in this discussion you’ll read that there are strong recommendations that radiation or alternatives to excision/MOHS are not good options when the lesions are on the lower body. I have considered a second opinion from Cleveland Clinic if the SCCs continue to be so frequent. Mayo’s is a far reach from Virginia, but I am sure they are a great option. Be glad they are near you!

annabach, Yes very fortunate to be close to Mayo Jacksonville. Live about a 30 minute drive away.

I wanted to pass on that I just had HOHS surgery on Thursday in groin area. The surgeon doing the surgery commented on my complaint about my biopsies on my legs not healing like they do on upper body. What she said was the legs are father from heart and thus to not get the same blood as those closer to the heart.

I am a mess though. I am 76 and got so many spots and trouble areas I am lucky to get out without biopsies and half dozen freezes every time I go. The sqaumonous cancer I had I was told was "in sito" (not sure about spelling) and told that meant it was confined to outer layer of skin which I was told was very good.

However the first MOHS slice missed a small area that had to have another slice and wait for pathology to come back all gone. But the surgeon was outstanding and her medical assistant really make me feel comfortable and free on any pain.

I used to live in Vero Beach which was a 3 hour drive from May. From 2006 to 2015 made the 3 hour trip back and forth for all my appoitments. Then we decided to look at housing around Jacksonville to see if we liked it up there since we both were going to Mayo for specialty care.

We found a Del Webb with outstanding facilities (indoor lap pool was a real plus) and the area we really liked (Nocatee a new community in St. John's County). So with both the like of the community and Mayo so close we moved in 2015. Glad we did as my wife developed diabetes 1 shortly after and with other issues is at Mayo about once a week now and many time several visits a week.

I have heard Cleveland Clinic is outstanding. I think they are the number one facility for heart care. Mayo Clinic Jacksonville is number 1 hospital in Florida.

I am wondering like you if my SCC's are starting to increase that I need to address it maybe with an ocologist but was told by surgeon at my age the number I am getting is not uncommon. My dermatologist did give me about 5 different ways to treat my SCC but I chose MOHS as had had it before and knew that the surgery would ensure all SCC was gone before surgery would be finished.

Good luck!!!

I posted a few months ago about my SCC on my hairline that was removed 6/27 at Mayo. It took all day with 4 trips to pathology and then lots of stitches. It was a deep one that was in scalp nerves. Dr. said they got it all but she recommended radiation therapy for insurance that it wouldn't reoccur and enter lymph nodes. Surgery was fine and healing took 6 weeks of laying low...its still healing. I started radiation in Brunswick where we live, for one month, every day a quick 30 sec. zap. It was easy and no red area till after 3rd week. I just finished last week and I'm hopeful that I won't lose hair in the area zapped...I think there's a bald spot in the middle of my forehead so that's ok. I am now doomed to bangs for life.
Before I started radiation I consulted an oncologist re Libtayo infusion therapy that he said is most successful for SCC. Once you've completed radiation and should it recur elsewhere, Medicare would pay for this treatment. My hope is that I will catch any more tumors quickly and have minor treatments. I check my body everyday! Also wearing 2 shirts outside.

What an ordeal! So glad you are on this side of treatment and being proactive about avoiding reoccurrence! I have no new outbreaks, so I am beginning to allow myself to believe the 2-year siege may have ended. We must, however, stay vigilant. Best of luck to you!

I am going to consult with a oncologist pertaining to Libtayo infusion..... HAS ANYONE HAD THIS???? I understand there are risks, and would prefer not to do this infusion, however, my doctor is telling me I get reactive SQ with surgery, and need to have 5 more surgeries primarily on legs.
I still want to explore options.
Sincerely,
Margo (maggielynn)

That would be absolutely if this is just a 2 year siege!!!! Good luck/!

I have repeatedly asked dermatologists if there are other treatment options besides excision. All have told me there are none. ?? But so far these last 3 surgeries - though the cancers were very deep and aggressive -have not produced any new outbreaks. Doctors just keep telling me that at some point they will simply stop. It’s been 2 years and dozens of SCCs. So I have no experience with any other treatments beyond freezings or surgeries. They did prescribe a steroid cream this last round that I use twice a day for two weeks, pause, and then use as needed. That cream seems to have played a role in calming my skin after surgery. Since at the moment I have no new cancers, I think the cream must have helped. But who knows?

Thank you for this information.
Do you have the name of the steriod cream that you are using twice a day for 2 weeks?
Thank you so very much.
Margo (maggielynn)

Yes. It’s Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream USP
0.1%