Squamous Cell Carcinomas (skin): What are the different treatments?

I had the same problem. Wherever I had surgeries, they came back. I went to a dermatologist that does needling for them. It has made a huge difference. The surgeries cause more inflammation that then causes more flare ups. This new doctor doesn’t even do biopsies on them, she just looks and puts a couple needles of a steroid/chemo combination into the area. Ask for a doctor that does needling! It could change everything, and I hope it works for you as well as it has for me.

I have had multiple, recurring SCC, but so far my doctors are only doing excision. Most of mine have been on my legs and take forever to heal. If your outbreaks are on your legs several who had radiation treatment would tell you NOT to go that route. The radiation makes the wound much harder to heal if the SCC is on the leg.

I hope you find good care. I know how worrying the experience can be.

@maggielynn I have had several squamous cell skin cancers. Some were frozen off with liquid nitrogen, some had MOHS surgery. I am awaiting biopsy results right now for a spot on my left nostril that I suspect is squamous cell.

Here is what Mayo Clinic has to say about the medication your doctor is recommending: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/cemiplimab-rwlc-intravenous-route/description/drg-20444105

Why has he suggested this for you, I am wondering? In my situation, I do not choose radiation, even if it would be suggested. And as an active blood cancer patient, I would not want more chemotherapy. Each person has to weigh the risks and benefits based on their own individual health situation, definitely! Please let me know what you decide.
Ginger

Where is your doctor located, my doctor is not familiar with needling.
Do you have the name of the medicine that they inject (steroid/chemo combination)?
I would be most interested in going that route, especially with the number of SQ's and the reactive onces as well after a surgery.
Many thanks!

My doctor is in Pittsburgh, PA. I do not know what the medication is that they use. I will try to find that information out and get back to you.

Thank you very much! That is so nice of you!

Hi Ginger,
Yes, I agree, no radiation. My preference is freezing off if possible, surgery, and I am very interested in the "needling" that "runner 101 is doing. Waiting for the name of the drug. I like the fact that was stated no biospy, (which can also cause SQ) and no surgery, which in my case can cause reactive SQ on the scar line.
Sincerely,
Margo (maggielynn)

I called my doctor and found out that the injection has Methotrexate in it. I hope this helps.

Thank you, yes, I will be having that done on my right lower arm where I got 2 reactive squamous after my last surgery in the scar line.
Sincerely,
Margo

I hope you have as good of an experience as I did!