Skin squamous cell carcinoma (recurring)

@grammato3 Thank you so much for your kind words. I haven't had a biopsy yet, however the GP was pretty certain. I am so so scared, can't eat, sleep, getting moody with my kids. I feel like I'm going to die as I feel it's spreading rapidly. Still waiting for the 2 week wait via our UK NHS.

Do you mind me asking, how did your SCC look? Mine is huge, ulcerated etc.

The waiting is awful, and it feels so lonely x

@jodes1984: I understand, the GP likely suspects this is the case based on how it looks (perhaps like a crater or non-healing scar that has been growing rapidly, also as explained here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/squamous-cell-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20352480) so it was wise of them to refer you to the dermatologist. Even in the US, getting in with a dermatologist within 2 weeks is not all that long of a wait although it can seem interminable when you have this type of worry on your mind. For ways to assist with this, try these suggestions: https://icononcology.com.my/news-articles/cancer-library/strategies-to-remain-calm-while-waiting-for-biopsy-results-my/

Quite honestly, I've had so many BCCs and SCCs, I cannot recall for sure how each one presented; even my melanoma appeared differently from typical ones you'd see in pictures as it was what is referred to as "amelanotyic" -lacking dark pigment - so my cases were probably different from yours. I got less and less concerned with each BCC and SCC as I'd become used to routine screening and more rapid identification and treatment which were mostly Mohs procedures. The melanoma did catch me by surprise and did cause stress prior to undergoing a wide local excission to remove it. Even in ensuing years and interventions that have followed as a result, I have successfully managed my condition. You're one step ahead of the game already knowing you have your appointment scheduled. When is the actual date for that so I can keep you in mind for you to follow up?

@jodes1984
I think I replied to one of your post earlier. Please understand that SCC is very common and a type of skin cancer that is highly treatable and success rate very high. It is not a death sentence at all.

My first MOHS (I was not a Mayo then) told me, "If you are going to have to have cancer this is the one to pick). Again you have to know statistics for BCC and SCC treatments are extremely high.

Posters have said to you that you will not know if SCC, invasive, how deep and long if SCC. Then you will be given treatment options. You will see a lot like me mentioned MOHS. Why? It is a type of surgery that you do not leave treatment table until there is no signed of cancer in your margins.

The surgeon will remove the area identified by biopsy and then take to pathology. If there is not signs of cancer in the margins removed you are done. If there is any sign of cancer in margins the surgeon will remove it and margins and go through same process of taking ot pathology who will confirm if margins are now free of any cancer.

Please I don't know how to calm your anxiety but when you hear cancer you can have the anxiety and stress you are dealing with. Look up on web sites like Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, John Hopkins, and look for SCC and BCC success rates and types of treatments. This should help you with your anxiety.

@jc76 What if it's spread? Is it dangerous then?x

@grammato3 Thank you so so much for all your support, I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it is.

My consultation is Thursday. X

@jodes1984: I'm glad I was able to provide some explanations. Hopefully the fact sheet from Mayo on SCC gives a good amount of background on the types of SCC and the various types of treatment that may be indicated once - and IF - the biopsy reveals the particular features. While Mohs surgery is the most common type of treatment, there are other approaches that may be considered. Remember, everyone presents differently so there's no "one size fits all" treatment so it's hard to speculate at this time.

I will share with you that when I was worrying myself about my melanoma diagnosis, a song popped into my head. You may not be familiar with it because it's quite an oldie (I used to hear it in the mornings on a radio program my parents listened to) that went: "What's the use of worrying, it never was worthwhile...." . Believe it or not, whenever my thoughts turned a bit dark I'd think of that song and it did help! I admit there have been times I've needed to remind myself to get back in tune, quite literally, but I've learned the what-if game isn't the best for my mind, body and spirit. Because even in the most dire, "dangerous" scenarios there have always been medical professionals to help guide me along, answer my questions when they arose and provide the interventions I've required to get me from a place of uncertainty to a place of trust, confidence and resiliance. I hope this is the sense you get after meeting with your provider on Thursday and remain open to their expertise as they also help to guide you accordingly.

If you can, please post a note after your consultation.

@jodes1984
I am not sure what you mean by has it spread. If SCC or a BCC is not treated it will spread either downward or length.

That is why surgeries like MOHS does a incision to see if they have removed and signs of cancer below and around the skin cancer. If not they come back and remove more tissue either under the area or expand the incision width or length.

Does this answer your question?

Do you have a good dermatologist. If you can't find your answers on MCC (and remember we are not medical professionals) you should make sure you asked your doctors who are treating you.

@jodes1984 Like @grammato3 I have had many different skin cancers. And, yes, my melanoma was like hers, "amelanotic" with no color. There is a beauty of a 32 stitch scar on my right forearm as a souvenir of that surgery.

Anytime we find an area that doesn't look right, or we get checked, it really is natural for us to get anxious. I have had rapid-growing aggressive squamous cell cancers, too. Fortunately, my doctor takes me seriously if I need to call and tell them there is an area of concern. But, they will still do a biopsy to make sure, so the correct treatment is done.

We will be interested to see the results of your consult!
Ginger

@gingerw Thank you so much for your reply, how are you feeling now? I'm so pleased you have a Dr that listens and takes you seriously.

If you don't mind me asking, how did they treat your aggressive SCC? X

@jc76
Maybe she means metastasizes to other areas. Mine metastasized to the lymph nodes in my groin.