Skin squamous cell carcinoma (recurring)

Posted by annabach @annabach, Jul 2, 2023

Anyone else battled on-going outbreaks of squamous cell cancers? I have had dozens on my legs in the last two years. One required a swim graft. Three were MOHS procedures. A dozen were excisions with sutures. The rest were small and frozen. I just had an aggressive one removed the had quickly extended all the way to muscle. Who did you see? Are there other treatment options besides continued surgeries? I have at least six more that have popped up in the last week. It feels as though this will never end!

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jpeters6930 | @jpeters6930 | Jul 12 12:33pm

As you age, the sun damage from years ago, start rearing their ugly self. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill or vaccine available (that I’m aware of) to prevent them from cropping up. My dermatologist has prescribed a form of vitamin B3called Niacinamide that studies have found help to delay and help reduce the risk of skin cancer.
You will find this also in some of the skin serums on the market. I take 1 tablet twice daily. Does it help??? Hard for me to answer that as my sun damaged skin is extensive. I get frozen, scrapping, Effudex and Mohs surgery more times than I care to admit.

Susan, Volunteer Mentor | @grammato3 | Jul 12 3:49pm

@annabach and @jpeters6930: thank you for bringing this up. My dermatologist has never mentioned the use of niacinamide (Vit B3) but upon research there does appear to be some compelling evidence for its use according to NIH, Memorial Sloane Kettering and Harvard Medical School from those I consulted. These found a reduction in BCCs and SCCs (basal and squamous cell carcinomas), lesser degree of impact on actinic keratosis (scaly, rough patches that can be pre-cancerous) but no significant impact on melanoma.

As with all medications, prescribed and over the counter, best practice is to discuss with your medical practitioner. I know I'm going to bring it up with my dermatologist when I see her in two weeks!

jpeters6930 | @jpeters6930 | Jul 12 6:19pm

In reply to @grammato3 "@annabach and @jpeters6930: thank you for bringing this up. My dermatologist has never mentioned the use..." + (show)

It seems that it’s relatively new. The studies have been very positive and I am starting to hear more and more about it. I have a very diligent, young Dermatologist. Even some of the actinic keratosis she finds she will biopsy. You can’t be too careful. who is always. I wish you the best. Every little bit helps.

annabach | @annabach | Jul 12 7:04pm

In reply to @grammato3 "@annabach and @jpeters6930: thank you for bringing this up. My dermatologist has never mentioned the use..." + (show)

I can only tell you my experience has been positive. I can’t see any harm in including the supplement in your daily regimen. I know you need to be patient to observe results, as in months not just weeks. But my last invasive SCC was over one year ago now. I wish you the best!

jpeters6930 | @jpeters6930 | Jul 13 12:59pm

Have you tried Efudex cream?
Anytime my dermatologist sees something in ?? she will either freeze it or have me use this chemo cream:
“Fluorouracil cream (Efudex) for skin conditions
Fluorouracil 5 cream, commonly known by its brand name Efudex, is a topical chemotherapy medication used to treat specific skin conditions”.
If it’s actinic keratosis or superficial BCC or SCC this is another type of treatment.