Skin squamous cell carcinoma (recurring)

@jodes1984
Honey, your not going to die!
I know it scary when you don't know, but you are going to be fine.
I'm 75 years old, and I feel great every day.
Good attitude 😁💯

I'm scared, because it's ulcerated and that usually means advanced I think? X

@jodes1984
I have had about a dozen MOHS surgeries for both SCC and BCCs.

In every case the MOHS surgery was successful and removed all traces of the cancer. That is what MOHS provides. You do not leave surgery room until pathology says no signs of cancer in the margins.

So after at least a dozen skin cancer surgeries I have not had to address any of the areas where skin cancer was removed.

The surgeries if you have MOHS is painless except for needles to numb area. Depending on the size of the surgery the recovery can be minor or take some time. I have had both but happy with my surgeries and being cancer free in those areas.

I am 79. I am told these skin cancers are from what I did not do 30-40 years ago. In sun constantly and no sunscreen. So as you age time catches up. SCC can also occur in a damaged part of skin and not just areas sun damaged.

Feel positive there are so many ways to treat SCC and skin cancer is one of or not the most successful success rates of all cancers.

@jc76 Thank you, was yours invasive also?

@jodes1984
How it looks and being ulcerated could be from being there a long time. As it grows it gets bigger and irritation of skin increased. Are you scratching the area? Try not to as just adds to irritation.

Without a biopsy being done you do not know if advanced. What biopsy will reveal is how deep, how long, and if skin cancer and what type.. I have had some very long and some areas no bigger than a pencil eraser.

There are so many ways to treat skin cancer now with great success rates for all. Please understand that skin cancer is very common especially with those who are fair skinned and spent a lot of time in sun (like me). Doesn't mean a dark skin will not get skin cancer just more damage is likely from sun to light skin.

You have not been through a biopsy yet so don't conclude anything. I thought I had another SCC as had all the signs of it but the biopsy revealed it was plaque psoriasis.

Thank you, it's great to have support from here. I only noticed it 4 weeks ago, the GP initially thought it was a cyst, but it's grown rapidly with an ulcer x

@jodes1984
Some time they tell me something like "In Sitro" which I think means in the out layer of skin and hand not invaded the other skin levels.

Then other time they say something different and know it is invasive below outer skin. I am told they can grow downward or long.

The ones on my hand quite frankly were the worse because my skin is so thin there.

Had probably 3 inches incision and twice (had two on same hand) had stiches.

I have SCC (primary site: hand), surgery to remove 3 armpit lymph nodes. The hand seems to have healed up nicely. I'm on Libtayo infusion (4 treatments so far and about to begin the double dose 6 week interval regimen). I will also have a PET scan in a few days to assess treatment so far.
I developed bullous pemphigoid prior to beginning infusions. Dermatologist prescribed 3 different topical cream s, but none have controlled the itching and lesions. The last cream is clobetasol propionate. I've been recommended for Dupixent and awaiting approval. Has anyone tried it to treat this skin condition? Is there any problem using it while on infusion therapy?

@jodes1984 Welome to Mayo Clinic Connect where we understand your concerns. Having had all three types of skin cancers myself, I truly do understand those concerns. I'd like to understand more about what's been going on in your situation.

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell (BCC), squamous cell (SCC) and melanoma as explained here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605.

You stated your GP suspects it is an aggressive form of SCC, however, if I am understanding correctly, an actual biopsy has yet to be performed - is that correct? Without a definitive biopsy, there is no clear way to determine with any certainty what kind of skin lesion this may be or what treatment options would be best for you.

No matter what the results, you have information now that there are various types of interventions that can be provided so while it's hard to say "Just relax" as anxiety is a normal part of waiting for results, I hope it helps to know that so many advances have been made in treatment. Can you let me know what the dermatologist has to say, and what is done at the appointment in two weeks?

I was diagnosed with CSCC in 2024. It was on my legs and arms and metastasized to lymph nodes in my groin. The first treatment was Libtayo which cleared up the legs and arms and shrunk the tumor. After six months, a rash broke out on my entire back and down the inside of my lower arms. I asked for a second opinion and came to Mayo Clinic. My oncologist immediately said my body was toxic and stopped Libtayo with original oncologist in Minneapolis metro area. Dermatologist did MOHS on larger lesions and Edufex cream on arms and legs. A year later I had the tumor removed due to an increase in size. Currently I started a chemo pill for precautionary purposes. Too soon to tell if it is helpful or not. Overall, I am very pleased with the treatment chooses and doctoring at Mayo Clinic. Wouldn’t go elsewhere.