Skin squamous cell carcinoma (recurring)

@cicihi4 Thank you for that explanation about open wound for healing. Even having been in the medical field, that's a new procedure for me to have heard of which prompted me to do a deeper dive into it. Very true about the shin area so quite a reasonable approach. I hope you're feeling well post-procedure.

Your explanation about your husband also makes quite a bit of sense in the context of his history of Multiple Myeloma given the association of Merkel's Cell carcinoma being more highly associated with that condition, as you stated due to the immunosuppression. I'm so sorry you had to go through so much with his illness and now managing these health issues of your own; you seem to be doing so with skill and patience.

Thanks again for the education and if you are still interested in hearing from others who have undergone similar injections as you have to the SCC, may I suggest inquiring about the name of the injection? (I'm thinking it was probably methotrexate but my information may be outdated). It might help others more readily identify it so they can provide some answers, should that be the route you elect to go in the future. In the meantime, mark your calendar to get back to me in August, best for easy healing and enjoy your summer!

Susan, Just heard from my derm doc....
She said I received -Intralesional 5-Fluorouracil -
I have had 'open wound' healing a few times. It does take longer than if stitched, but its not difficult...just clean once a day, then vaseline and a dressing. I was advised to wear compression socks for a little quicker healing. Either way, with or without stitches it takes awhile, and swimming is out unless in water that I know is clean...and I have found some good waterproof bandages if I want a quick dip. (Then rewash immediately. Thankfully I am in the NoEast so not as bad as if in TX or AZ or FL... 🙂

Connie

@cicihi4 Thank you once again for the helpful information! I did some more research to find that Intralesional 5-Fluorouracil is "an antimetabolite that inhibits DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells, including those in cancers. By disrupting DNA production, it causes these cells to undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death) and necrosis (tissue death). Additionally, 5-FU can stimulate the immune system to target cancer cells. When administered intralesionally [the spaces in between], it delivers a high concentration of the drug directly to the target area while minimizing systemic exposure and potential adverse effects". This has primarily been used in dermatology for specific skin conditions, including actinic keratosis - rough, scaly patches that can be pre-cancerous.

So in getting back to your original question, I'll put this out there: Has anyone been aware of receiving Intralesional 5-Fluorouracil as treatment for skin conditions -- and, if so, what has your experience been?

I was diagnosed with SCC last year and have had ongoing MOHS surgeries.
I depend on my Dermatologist working with my Oncologist. I am currently infused with Libtayo every 3 weeks, visit with oncologist on a regular basis as well as my Dermatologist.
I also have had two pet scans and the SCC is on the left leg, primary the shin area.
I need to take a moment to "Thank" you volunteers!
They recommended me to "Wound Care",
It has been my lifesaver. I can't tell you how wonderful they are and how much faster my open wounds have healed.
Been getting infusions since last October, no major side effects.

I have had at least 30+ SCC's over the years with all the treatments you described. I currently have an active one that for now we excised (deep) as it grew out of another one. Waiting for pathology on it, may need MOHs not sure.
I have also had chemo injected to a couple of them to 'kill' them. 'intralesional 5-flouricil' I posted the accurate name in this blog so please confirm what I wrote.
You did not mention taking anything to prevent them. I have been on 10mg Acitretin EOD for quite a while now. It has helped keep them away. Just make sure your doc does blood work.

Susan - I never thought of adding that I also take ACITRETIN 10 mg EOD (I can't seem to handle every day). Just an FYI

Me too...I've been on Libtayo a year now and they want me to stay on for another year. SCC got into a lymph node on my neck after many years of mohs in various head/face areas. I've not had any more skin lesions for a long time so that tells me its helping. I had an extra treatment to the lymph node that killed all the cancer within. It was a needle inserted directly that was filled with ethanol. A PET follow up showed the growing cells were destroyed! So happy with Mayo Jacksonville even though its a 2 hr drive each way.

Glad to hear you have been happy at Mayo in Jacksonville. I have had over the last 10 yrs over 30 mostly sq cell skin cancers. In the last year I have had on my left lower leg a sq cell skin cancer recur 4 times each time within a month of mohs surgery. I recently completed Electron Beam Radiation for 6 weeks. It’s been 5 weeks and it looks like it has already recurred. I have a biopsy scheduled in the next few days to confirm.
Due to the number of excisions if I had another surgery it would have to be open.
I went for a second opinion a while ago at Moffitt and I was basically told to continue the surgery unless it metastasizes!
Wasn’t happy with that so will seek a third opinion at Mayo Jacksonville.
I think the next step may be Libtayo.
BTW. I tolerated my EBT radiation with just some moderate skin irritation and it was my lower leg
Interested to hear other impressions of Mayo in Jacksonville and experience with immunotherapy
TIA

My dermatologist told me 2 years ago to begin taking 1,000 units of Nicotinamide (vitamin B3) every day. It took a year for the supplement to show any consistent positive effect. But I have not had recurring squamous cell carcinoma in over a year now. I also use a prescribed steroid cream 2 weeks on, 1 week off to keep the skin on my legs healthy and calm.

I don’t know if anyone else has tried this. I only know it has seemingly worked for me. I am so grateful!

Funny, you sound like me! I also take Niacinamide twice daily and also the Effudex. 2 wks on, 1 week off was the regime with this chemo cream when I tackled my face. Also, other spots. As for noticing a change, for me it’s very hard to tell if it’s working as I am a walking Dermatologist dream!!!
Most of the time I just need freezing but she is very diligent so biopsys tend to be on going.