@jammirenee72 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. While my experience with squamous cell carcinoma is limited to my skin. I was indeed surprised that it can be found in other parts and organs of the body, including head and neck, tongue, and lung!
Can you share with us a bit more information, if you would please, about where this was diagnosed in your body, and how long ago? What is your medical team advising you at this point? By your statement that it is evident in lymph nodes, you lead me to believe it was uncovered in an area other than your skin.
Ginger
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
I have had metastatic SC Carcinoma for over 9 years now. Original tumor in external ear canal, involved facial nerve and bone before diagnosed. Surgery was subtotal temporal bone resection plus superficial parotidectomy and lymph node dissection of neck. Those nodes were clear but surgical margins were not. Followed with Cetuximab targeted therapy and radiation for 7 weeks. First and second mets were in lung 18 and 36 months after initial surgery. Both removed via video assisted thoracic surgery. Lymph nodes were clear. Next met was a growing lump on pectoral muscle below shoulder. Surgical removal but no lymph nodes taken. Last met was over a year and a half ago in kidney with associated lymph nodes positive on PET scan. Started on an immunotherapy Cemiplimab and since last December have had no visible cancer. All this has taken place at Mayo Rochester. Dr Katharine Price is my wonderful oncologist there. There are newer immunotherapies available now for this disease with some good results. Was your tumor HPV associated? Mine was not and skin associated tumors like mine may respond differently than the HPV tumors. With the newer drugs available this diagnosis may be more treatable even if not curable. I have also done a complementary therapy of immune augmentation therapy in the Bahamas for the last 10 years. Do your research and consider a referral center for your best care.
@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?
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
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 14, 2022
@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?
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Aug 14, 2022
@jammirenee72 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. While my experience with squamous cell carcinoma is limited to my skin. I was indeed surprised that it can be found in other parts and organs of the body, including head and neck, tongue, and lung!
Can you share with us a bit more information, if you would please, about where this was diagnosed in your body, and how long ago? What is your medical team advising you at this point? By your statement that it is evident in lymph nodes, you lead me to believe it was uncovered in an area other than your skin.
Ginger
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I have it in my throat. It was diagnosed early 2019. It has not spread further. It is chronic.
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2 ReactionsI have had metastatic SC Carcinoma for over 9 years now. Original tumor in external ear canal, involved facial nerve and bone before diagnosed. Surgery was subtotal temporal bone resection plus superficial parotidectomy and lymph node dissection of neck. Those nodes were clear but surgical margins were not. Followed with Cetuximab targeted therapy and radiation for 7 weeks. First and second mets were in lung 18 and 36 months after initial surgery. Both removed via video assisted thoracic surgery. Lymph nodes were clear. Next met was a growing lump on pectoral muscle below shoulder. Surgical removal but no lymph nodes taken. Last met was over a year and a half ago in kidney with associated lymph nodes positive on PET scan. Started on an immunotherapy Cemiplimab and since last December have had no visible cancer. All this has taken place at Mayo Rochester. Dr Katharine Price is my wonderful oncologist there. There are newer immunotherapies available now for this disease with some good results. Was your tumor HPV associated? Mine was not and skin associated tumors like mine may respond differently than the HPV tumors. With the newer drugs available this diagnosis may be more treatable even if not curable. I have also done a complementary therapy of immune augmentation therapy in the Bahamas for the last 10 years. Do your research and consider a referral center for your best care.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsI 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
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@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?
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@jammirenee72 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. While my experience with squamous cell carcinoma is limited to my skin. I was indeed surprised that it can be found in other parts and organs of the body, including head and neck, tongue, and lung!
Can you share with us a bit more information, if you would please, about where this was diagnosed in your body, and how long ago? What is your medical team advising you at this point? By your statement that it is evident in lymph nodes, you lead me to believe it was uncovered in an area other than your skin.
Ginger
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
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