@jamirenee72 I started my cancer journey in April 2021. I had what I thought was a pimple for about a year. I went to my dermatologist several times for it and told her to do a biopsy the last time I went in. When I went in to get the stitches out she told me she had read the pathology report and it was nothing to worry about. On Tuesday of the following week the Nurse Practitioner called me to let me know she had read the wrong report and that I have Squamous Cell Carcinoma. I was referred to a plastic surgeon and had surgery a few weeks later. The cancer affected my smile and left a large indent on my chin till April 2022 when I had reconstructive surgery to repair the nerve and tissue was put in the indent to fill it in. I seen the dermatologist today and she found a large and deep lump in my throat. She told me to contact my primary care doctor ASAP. I would be lying if I said I’m not scared. I’ve read about this cancer and it terrifies me. I thought it would show up on the skin before attacking something inside.
Was there a certain test your doctor did on you when you were seen by your doctor?
Are you currently taking any herbs or vitamins to help you fight it?
I have metastatic SCC, initially diagnosed in 2012 but with lung metastasis twice, a small tumor on a muscle, and finally metastasis to a kidney and lymph nodes. It can show up anywhere. You need to see an oncologist as soon as possible. It is beyond the scope of a dermatologist or primary care doctor. There are new immunotherapies approved for use for this disease and better prognosis has resulted. I am on one called Libtayo through my oncologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN. and my tumors are gone at this point. There they use whole body CT scans or PET scans to check for metastases regularly. I also take Vitamin D, Curcumin, Beta Glucan supplements and a daily probiotic for immune support. Do your research and good luck to you.
I seen my PCP yesterday. He is sending me for an ultrasound first. He said if that didn’t give us any answers he would send me to get another test (forgot the name) where they go down my throat with a light.
@jamirenee72 I started my cancer journey in April 2021. I had what I thought was a pimple for about a year. I went to my dermatologist several times for it and told her to do a biopsy the last time I went in. When I went in to get the stitches out she told me she had read the pathology report and it was nothing to worry about. On Tuesday of the following week the Nurse Practitioner called me to let me know she had read the wrong report and that I have Squamous Cell Carcinoma. I was referred to a plastic surgeon and had surgery a few weeks later. The cancer affected my smile and left a large indent on my chin till April 2022 when I had reconstructive surgery to repair the nerve and tissue was put in the indent to fill it in. I seen the dermatologist today and she found a large and deep lump in my throat. She told me to contact my primary care doctor ASAP. I would be lying if I said I’m not scared. I’ve read about this cancer and it terrifies me. I thought it would show up on the skin before attacking something inside.
Was there a certain test your doctor did on you when you were seen by your doctor?
Are you currently taking any herbs or vitamins to help you fight it?
Hi Myrtle, I can imagine that you’re scared. This is something you need to have investigated immediately and it sounds like your dermatologist is referring you back to your PCP for testing or further to make a referral to an oncologist. It is possible that the cancer has moved to the lymph nodes. To rule out or confirm this, the likely test will be a biopsy. You can read more here:
- Squamous Cell Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/squamous-cell-skin-cancer
Have you made an appointment with your doctor? We’re here for any questions you have along the way. You’re not alone.
@jamirenee72 I started my cancer journey in April 2021. I had what I thought was a pimple for about a year. I went to my dermatologist several times for it and told her to do a biopsy the last time I went in. When I went in to get the stitches out she told me she had read the pathology report and it was nothing to worry about. On Tuesday of the following week the Nurse Practitioner called me to let me know she had read the wrong report and that I have Squamous Cell Carcinoma. I was referred to a plastic surgeon and had surgery a few weeks later. The cancer affected my smile and left a large indent on my chin till April 2022 when I had reconstructive surgery to repair the nerve and tissue was put in the indent to fill it in. I seen the dermatologist today and she found a large and deep lump in my throat. She told me to contact my primary care doctor ASAP. I would be lying if I said I’m not scared. I’ve read about this cancer and it terrifies me. I thought it would show up on the skin before attacking something inside.
Was there a certain test your doctor did on you when you were seen by your doctor?
Are you currently taking any herbs or vitamins to help you fight it?
You need to go see an ENT ASAP to find out what this doctor is talking about. They seem very irresponsible to me with giving you the wrong diagnosis. Do this immediately
@jamirenee72, I'd like to add my welcome. Like @gingerw, I'd like to learn a bit more about your diagnosis. This will help me connect you with other members with the same diagnosis. What part of the body is the original cancer?
@jamirenee72 I started my cancer journey in April 2021. I had what I thought was a pimple for about a year. I went to my dermatologist several times for it and told her to do a biopsy the last time I went in. When I went in to get the stitches out she told me she had read the pathology report and it was nothing to worry about. On Tuesday of the following week the Nurse Practitioner called me to let me know she had read the wrong report and that I have Squamous Cell Carcinoma. I was referred to a plastic surgeon and had surgery a few weeks later. The cancer affected my smile and left a large indent on my chin till April 2022 when I had reconstructive surgery to repair the nerve and tissue was put in the indent to fill it in. I seen the dermatologist today and she found a large and deep lump in my throat. She told me to contact my primary care doctor ASAP. I would be lying if I said I’m not scared. I’ve read about this cancer and it terrifies me. I thought it would show up on the skin before attacking something inside.
Was there a certain test your doctor did on you when you were seen by your doctor?
Are you currently taking any herbs or vitamins to help you fight it?
I had a biopsy 2 months ago and just got the diagnosis of SC carcinoma. Doc said it will be approx 4 months to get the rest of the tumour removed. Is this concerning? What should I be looking out for? Does it spread regionally (tumour gets bigger) or can it jump to other areas? My lesion is on my leg. I’ve had other spots appear on my leg and one in chest but they don’t look like the lesion on my leg.
I was diagnosed with metastatic HNSCC and malignant neoplasm of the lymphoid in April 2020. I had a very small spot on my left interorbital check (caused by solar radiation) that turned out to be squamous cell carcinoma that metastasized to my left cervical and axilla lymph nodes. I had outpatient surgery to remove the spot (tumor) on my face and began chemo/immuno treatment with carboplatin/taxol and 200 mg of keytruda. After 4 infusions (1 every 3 weeks) the CT Scan showed the largest lymph node had shrank in size from 13 mm to 7 mm and all other nodes returned to normal size. My oncologist decided to continue treatment with just Keytruda (200 mg every 3 weeks). After 5 infusions I had another CT Scan which came back NED. All lymph nodes had resolved, no evidence of irregular node activity. Because of the pandemic, my oncologist switched me to Keytruda @ 400 mg once every 6 weeks. Over the past 2 years I have had 16 infusions, the last one on August 31, 2022. The 3 CT Scans w/ contrast and 2 Pet Scans I had during that period all came back NED. Because I have not experienced any side effects, my Dr wants me to have 2 more Keytruda infusions. With the advances in treatment a metastatic HNSCC diagnosis is not as dire as it once was.
I was treated for squamous cell ca of the nasopharynx in 1976 at Wilford Hall, the Air Force hospital in San Antonio. The good news is it didn’t kill me. The bad news is that the radiation rendered me deaf, and ruined my dental health. I have no saliva and it has become impossible for me to swallow pills and most solid food.
I don’t worry much about the cancer recurring, but I fear that the body parts that were most heavily irradiated will simply die or “fail” in the next few years. I am currently taking antibiotics daily to prevent osteoradionecrosis. This also helps to keep me from getting aspiration pneumonia, I believe, but that’s not the official reason for taking the doxycycline. I worry that my body is a breeding ground for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but I don’t know what to do about it.
I had a gastric feeling tube for a while but I hated it, and after it fell out for about the fifth time I did not have it replaced. After that, I had to have surgery to repair a fistula at the stoma site.
I started my cancer journey back in Feb 2020; I had a spot on my lip that I thought was a pimple I didn't ever pay much attention for almost 2 years .
I finally took the steps to get it treated I underwent surgical procedure to remove the mass that was squamous cell I returned to the surgeon approx. 9 mos later because I still experienced a weird painful sensation and drooling I never did before . Fast forward on July 20:I had to undergo more surgery because it showed in my lymph nodes and now I start radiation my diagnosis mestastic squamous cell I am scared
@jamirenee72, I can imagine you're scared. Metastatic cancer are hard words to hear, but you are not alone as you can see from the replies your received from @sepdvm and @jimthomasintl. I'd also like to bring @srm@hoppy and @lori58 to share their experiences and journey along with you.
Jamir, when will you start radiation and how many sessions will you have? What is your main concern that you'd like to know more about?
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Thank you for the information. I’m still waiting on the ultrasound approval from my insurance. I’m thankful I found this page.
I have metastatic SCC, initially diagnosed in 2012 but with lung metastasis twice, a small tumor on a muscle, and finally metastasis to a kidney and lymph nodes. It can show up anywhere. You need to see an oncologist as soon as possible. It is beyond the scope of a dermatologist or primary care doctor. There are new immunotherapies approved for use for this disease and better prognosis has resulted. I am on one called Libtayo through my oncologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN. and my tumors are gone at this point. There they use whole body CT scans or PET scans to check for metastases regularly. I also take Vitamin D, Curcumin, Beta Glucan supplements and a daily probiotic for immune support. Do your research and good luck to you.
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1 ReactionI seen my PCP yesterday. He is sending me for an ultrasound first. He said if that didn’t give us any answers he would send me to get another test (forgot the name) where they go down my throat with a light.
Hi Myrtle, I can imagine that you’re scared. This is something you need to have investigated immediately and it sounds like your dermatologist is referring you back to your PCP for testing or further to make a referral to an oncologist. It is possible that the cancer has moved to the lymph nodes. To rule out or confirm this, the likely test will be a biopsy. You can read more here:
- Squamous Cell Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/squamous-cell-skin-cancer
Have you made an appointment with your doctor? We’re here for any questions you have along the way. You’re not alone.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionYou need to go see an ENT ASAP to find out what this doctor is talking about. They seem very irresponsible to me with giving you the wrong diagnosis. Do this immediately
@jamirenee72 I started my cancer journey in April 2021. I had what I thought was a pimple for about a year. I went to my dermatologist several times for it and told her to do a biopsy the last time I went in. When I went in to get the stitches out she told me she had read the pathology report and it was nothing to worry about. On Tuesday of the following week the Nurse Practitioner called me to let me know she had read the wrong report and that I have Squamous Cell Carcinoma. I was referred to a plastic surgeon and had surgery a few weeks later. The cancer affected my smile and left a large indent on my chin till April 2022 when I had reconstructive surgery to repair the nerve and tissue was put in the indent to fill it in. I seen the dermatologist today and she found a large and deep lump in my throat. She told me to contact my primary care doctor ASAP. I would be lying if I said I’m not scared. I’ve read about this cancer and it terrifies me. I thought it would show up on the skin before attacking something inside.
Was there a certain test your doctor did on you when you were seen by your doctor?
Are you currently taking any herbs or vitamins to help you fight it?
Thank you.
Myrtle
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2 ReactionsI had a biopsy 2 months ago and just got the diagnosis of SC carcinoma. Doc said it will be approx 4 months to get the rest of the tumour removed. Is this concerning? What should I be looking out for? Does it spread regionally (tumour gets bigger) or can it jump to other areas? My lesion is on my leg. I’ve had other spots appear on my leg and one in chest but they don’t look like the lesion on my leg.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI was diagnosed with metastatic HNSCC and malignant neoplasm of the lymphoid in April 2020. I had a very small spot on my left interorbital check (caused by solar radiation) that turned out to be squamous cell carcinoma that metastasized to my left cervical and axilla lymph nodes. I had outpatient surgery to remove the spot (tumor) on my face and began chemo/immuno treatment with carboplatin/taxol and 200 mg of keytruda. After 4 infusions (1 every 3 weeks) the CT Scan showed the largest lymph node had shrank in size from 13 mm to 7 mm and all other nodes returned to normal size. My oncologist decided to continue treatment with just Keytruda (200 mg every 3 weeks). After 5 infusions I had another CT Scan which came back NED. All lymph nodes had resolved, no evidence of irregular node activity. Because of the pandemic, my oncologist switched me to Keytruda @ 400 mg once every 6 weeks. Over the past 2 years I have had 16 infusions, the last one on August 31, 2022. The 3 CT Scans w/ contrast and 2 Pet Scans I had during that period all came back NED. Because I have not experienced any side effects, my Dr wants me to have 2 more Keytruda infusions. With the advances in treatment a metastatic HNSCC diagnosis is not as dire as it once was.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI was treated for squamous cell ca of the nasopharynx in 1976 at Wilford Hall, the Air Force hospital in San Antonio. The good news is it didn’t kill me. The bad news is that the radiation rendered me deaf, and ruined my dental health. I have no saliva and it has become impossible for me to swallow pills and most solid food.
I don’t worry much about the cancer recurring, but I fear that the body parts that were most heavily irradiated will simply die or “fail” in the next few years. I am currently taking antibiotics daily to prevent osteoradionecrosis. This also helps to keep me from getting aspiration pneumonia, I believe, but that’s not the official reason for taking the doxycycline. I worry that my body is a breeding ground for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but I don’t know what to do about it.
I had a gastric feeling tube for a while but I hated it, and after it fell out for about the fifth time I did not have it replaced. After that, I had to have surgery to repair a fistula at the stoma site.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@jamirenee72, I can imagine you're scared. Metastatic cancer are hard words to hear, but you are not alone as you can see from the replies your received from @sepdvm and @jimthomasintl. I'd also like to bring @srm @hoppy and @lori58 to share their experiences and journey along with you.
Jamir, when will you start radiation and how many sessions will you have? What is your main concern that you'd like to know more about?
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Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions