Squamous cell cancer on my face - Cancer: Skin Message Board

teapotlady · 02-02-2009, 06:50 AM

I had what I thought was a pimple on my face but it wouldn't go away and actually at my age I dont get them often. It grew fairly fast so I had it removed. They thought it was a basal cell but it came back as squamous cell and the margins aren't clean. I was shocked.

So tomorrow I see a dermatologist. I am worried because just taking out the first growth caused me a lot of facial nerve pain because it was on my temple. What can I expect next? I realize they will have to cut out more but how much. It is on my face! Also I have about 3 other areas that are suspicious and they aren't close to each other, is that bad. Any information will be appreciated. I am nervous.

Oleander53 · 02-02-2009, 07:34 AM

How long has it been there? Please let us know what your derm says.

I also am seeing a Derm tomorrow for a Squamous cell Carcinoma...I have have been reading and reading about it. Mine is genital and also related to Bowen's disease. I understand I will have a thorough skin search and CT scan tomorrow. If you want to go to my Post and read some responses it is called Bowen's Disease. Mine was a flat lavender spot, did not hurt, itch or bother me in anyway. Just noticed a discoloration.

I am 55. Melanoma and Bowen's disease are in my family. My dad and brother both had melanoma. My Dad also had Bowen's. Plus I grew up on the beach in So California so I had way too much sun until I was in my 30's. I also have an autoimmune disease Hashimoto's thyroid disease with thyroid nodules. Just mentioning this incase there is a connection.

Mine was on the inside of labia. Most information on that type is connected to HPV virus which I am negative for. Needless to say I have learned alot. I

They do not mention the margins in my report which really worries me. Hello? I hope the Pathologist knew what he was doing....they took a quarter sized area out.

Good luck tomorrow....Oleander

teapotlady · 02-02-2009, 09:14 AM

I had the sore about 3 weeks. It was 6mm when I had it removed. I felt silly going to the doc's and expected it to be nothing, wrong. The report said poorly differentiated with the margins not clean. I know enough to be concerned. And although I am not a beauty queen the though of them taking a huge hunk out of my face doesn't thrill me. I work with the public after all. I am trying to stay calm and wait until I see the doc but it does keep invading your thoughts. Especially since I had wrist surgery on Wed. for something unrelated and they found a mass in my muscle they thought looked weird so they took it out and sent it to be biopsied. Well find out more tomorrow

Oleander53 · 02-02-2009, 09:45 AM

You and I have much in common. Let me know what they Doctor says tomorrow. After my biopsy my lymphnodes swelled in my groin, underarm and necks......I also started coughing so my mind ran wild.

Aquaphor ointment does wonders for scars..I used it after a serious car accident. The PS that stitched up my face told me to use it.

My appt is late afternoon

The best of luck to you....

Oleander

Chele60 · 02-02-2009, 10:27 AM

I had a melanoma not squamous cell, but I do understand that with squamous cell there can be quite a bit of skin removed - just as with melanoma. And I realize that when one's face is involved it can be quite traumatizing! (beauty queen or no!) I've talked to people who had squamous and basal cell cancers on their faces and had quite a bit of their facial skin removed - including noses - and the reconstructive surgery is simply amazing. Typically, your surgeon will work closely with a plastic surgeon to reduce scarring and/or reconstruct facial tissue. I would suggest if you have any questions or fears regarding this, to talk to your doctor. Don't be fearful of thinking your vain! This is huge for a lot of people! Yes, you are certainly concerned about your life, who isn't? But doctors are also sensitive when it comes to patient's faces.