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Posted 1/25/2013 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,
Just was diagnosed with squamous on my calf, been there for 6 months and has been more pronounced just in the last 3 months. Doc is
making arrangement's with surgeon in the next few days. This is my first go around with this problem. I guess I have to hope it hasn't spread. I understand this is a slow moving cancer.

Has anyone had any experience with this type ? Any results and what to expect. Thanks for any input.
Posted 1/26/2013 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi inpower,

I have had several skin cancers, including three basal cell and one squamous.  It is very rare to have them spread.  The one that is the most dangerous is melanoma.  I hope you are protecting your skin with sunscreen and staying out of the sun when it is at its highest in the sky.

I just researched it on the UCSF website (http://www.dermatology.ucsf.edu/skincancer/professionals/types.aspx) and the risk for metastisis for the general public is <2%, so you don't really have to worry.  My squamous cell was on my arm. 

If you've had it once, though, you can get it again.  I was told by my dermatologist that most of the skin damage that causes these changes take place over many years.  Still he recommended protecting my skin aggressively with sunscreens and avoiding the strongest sun rays.

Good luck!

Denise

Posted 1/26/2013 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,  I had two Basal Cells and 3 Squamous Cell carcinomas removed from hands, upper arm and foot.  I did have the Moh's Procedure and it was a walk in the park but it took all day.  However this surgery prevents you from having to go back if the surgeon did not get all of the cancer.

Here is a link that explains Mohs Procedure: http://www.skincancermohssurgery.org/mohs-surgery/mohs-procedure.php

No fears but don't just let it go - get this cancer removed. I can not say that strong enough as I have a cousin in the hospital now with inoperable cancer in his lung as well as a giant cancer in his pelvic region - both biopsies came back as metastatic Basal Cell Carcinoma which is practically unheard of but it happened.

Remember the skin cancer you see with your eyes is the tip of the iceberg.

Talk with your Dr. and set a date for surgical removal.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 1/26/2013 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
inpower...Kitt is so right.  I got all my skin cancers removed as soon as I realized what was going on.  Sometimes it can take a while for you to realize that a scaly spot isn't going away, so it doesn't get removed immediately.

There is a very small risk of metastasis, but it's not a zero risk, as Kitt so correctly pointed out.  Get it taken off, but don't worry.

Denise

Posted 1/28/2013 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi this Monday 28th of Jan, Thanks for your responses, Have not heard from doc. ...do appreciate your insight... they assumed i have this cancer which was biopsied but how do they know how far to go into the skin / Looks like they would be cutting into the calf muscle
i guess I just don"t know what to expect , how much intrusion. Will it leave scars and will I be able to walk or do normal activity after the surgery I think this will be at the surgeons office, not in Hospital?? thanks for allowing me to ramble on.
Posted 1/29/2013 1:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi inpower,

How deep they go depends on the lesion.  There may be some stitches, depending on how big and deep they have to go.  The one I had was on my hand, and I went to a plastic surgeon to have it removed, since hands show scars.  He did a great job, because I can't even see where it was removed! 

They will send whatever they take off to be biopsied and make sure that the borders are clean (no cancer cells).  If there are cancer cells on the borders, they'll have to go back and take more until they get clean borders.

My doctor has told me that he might have to go back for more after the biopsy, but I've never had to actually do that.  Don't worry...you'll do fine. Let us know how it goes!

Good luck!

Denise

 

Posted 1/29/2013 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi thanks for response,,, i was walking in the yard and felt two sharp pains where my biopsy was at I suppose maybe that's to be expected i have an apt with the surgeon next Tuesday, so will keep you posted. Later
Posted 2/6/2013 5:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi. Had apt with Doc. Surgery for 28th says cancer hasn't spread. Will do the MOHS , take a couple of hrs I guess, so will see how it goes and report back. Thanks
Posted 2/6/2013 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi inpower,

It's good to hear that the cancer hasn't spread (I didn't think it would, unless you ignored it for a very long time) and that you have a surgery date scheduled.  It's not smart to ignore spots on your skin that are suspicious--that are red, scaley, and don't heal.  As I said, I've had several, and all were removed successfully.

I'd never heard of MOHS surgery, so looked it up.  For others reading this post, here's the link:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mohs-surgery/MY01304 I'll be interested in hearing about your experience.

Let us know how it all goes for you!

Best wishes,

Denise

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