I have been referred to a radiation oncologist for invasive squamous cell carcinomas of the most of my scalp. Since the area is so large, it seems that continuing to cut away smaller areas of my scalp is not a great option.

Has anyone had radiation to the top of their head that could help guide me through what I can do to cover my bald head that won’t be too painful over radiation burn?

thanks your your help!

Joanne

A few years ago I had two BCC's removed using the MOHS procedure.  But since April 2016 I have had more than 30 spots that my dermatologist has burned off and five that have been biopsied and came back positive for BCC.  These five have been treated with the MOHS procedure.  Friday I received the results of my sixth biopsy and it is also positive but this time my dermatologist gave me the choice between MOHS and radiation.  

My concern is the number of spots I've had in such a short time.  Should my doctor be taking a more proactive, preventative approach with the number of BCCs I've had?  The ones that I've had MOHS to treat have been infiltrative ones and have needed 4-5 layers cut out.  

I'm just getting really concerned with the amount I have.  

Has anyone experienced anything similar and should I be concerned?

Thank you!!

Had a small sore appear on my forehead about 14 months ago. Very small, about 1/8 inch. It would scab over, scab would fall off, and repeat. Went to my family Dr. He said it was nothing. Attempted to freeze it off. Scabbed over, appeared to be healing, then the same thing.
 Went back a second time to my family Dr. Again tried to freeze it off. Still said it was nothing. Appeared to be healing, but the same thing again.

Went to a Dermatologist on my own. Removed the sore for a biopsy, came back Basal cell. Six weeks later went back to have it removed, he cut it out, sent off for testing/biopsy. One week after having it removed I went back to have the stitches out. He told me that all the margins were clear, so he was certain he fromved it all...BUT... He then proceeded to scared the crap out of me by telling me it came back as an aggressive type of basal cell with perineural invasion.

He recomended I see an Oncologist for radiation therapy. I have an appointment in one week for that. I have done some research on-line. I understand that perineural invasion means that the sheath covering a nerve or nerves showed evidence that the tumor or cancerous cells had attached to it and could possible spread locally or to a site farther away.

Has anyone else here had any experience with this?

How worried should I be? Dermatologist told me I shouldnt lose any sleep over it, that the radiation was just a follow up to make certain all the cancerous cells were killed. But still...

He said the radiation would be localised to the spot on my forehead. What is it liike having this? Should I have this?

What about the prognosis for this? Life expectancy? Recurrence?

Please someone help...

I am trying not to panic. Have any of you discovered that you've had an undiagnosed melanoma for years and when it was examined, what stage was it? I was an interstate tour bus driver for 17 years and I understand from a friend that had a melanoma on his nose that truck drivers and farmers often have skin cancer on their left side, which I never thought of before…

I just discovered a lesion/mole on my upper chest/shoulder area. It measures 4mm at the widest, and it is light brown in color.

It's different from my other moles because it doesn't have skin markings like my other moles do. I don't know if it's a lesion or a mole. It is slightly raised out from the skin. It does not itch. It does not bleed.

I've read that a loss of skin markings could be a sign of malignancy, and that it leads to a worse diagnosis. But loss of skin markings also come at a later stage in the development of the melanoma, so, with that in mind, I'm not sure if my mole/lesion fits the bill.

Are there any other benign lesions/spots/moles that also do not have skin markings?

I have an appointment with a dermatologist, but it's not until September.

I was diagnosed with an eroded superficial basal cell carcinoma four weeks ago on my right triceps.

Thank you for all responses.

I’m new here and just wondering if anyone else had a weird skin cancer diagnosis.

Long story short I had a long and invasive slow MOHS to remove the tumor (?) and while they felt confident they got it all, they said that it was a cancer that hadn’t been identified before so they couldn’t predict what would happen next. The pathologist identified the AFX but there were another cancer that hadn’t never been identified. Apparently it kept mutating. Just writing that makes me feel sick.

All scans are clean, and I have to have regular checkups. I know I’m blessed, but I feel like I know next to nothing about this stupid cancer and I’m wondering if anybody else has had it.

Support is so helpful for healing plus tips and advice. 


Yes I was in shock after seeing the stitches from Mohs on my nose and closure with a plastic surgeon. In my opinion it seems like it may be helpful if a Mohs Dr.’s have actual before and after pictures so that you can be prepared for any possible outcomes. I was told I could drive home (three hours away) the next day. Still here on my daughter’s sofa 4 days later and so thankful for her.


I had basal on nose and stitches from lip up side of nose and wasn’t expecting that plus I felt like a monster ! Pain was not horrific but I also had squamous on leg removed so I’ve a hole size of a quarter or bigger and hurts to walk. Tomorrow will be 5 days and I think I’m going to drive home. Missing work is not what I expected but the alternative could be worse. Maybe they do not want to scare you but information is knowledge and my having been a counselor believe it is really important to be able to discuss the issues if you are in shock instead of calling the doctor  in tears and begging for pain meds . I get why it’s hard but there are ways to manage pain and bruising with learning from others . There is a taper that can be done.


I took arnica pills before and still am so I hope it helps. I was told no ice ??? There is not a return appointment, which seems kinda strange but I guess time is the issue. Black eye ,huge dressing slight limp and I think I’ll wear a scarf for a while and hope I don’t have to worry but since Dr can only do 2 Mohs at a time I have another to face so I guess I’ll figure it out in time but I’m alive ! 

Does anyone know what approx. percentage of moles that are considered "ugly duckling moles" end up being diagnosed as dysplastic nevus or melanoma.

Are there any other treatments besides Mohs surgery That can help with the problem?

Thank you Sunny.

I've recently been diagnosed with basal on my nose close to eye.

My mohs surgeon asked for biopsy but I couldn't at the time "to scared" wanted to take half of it but i need time. Anyway he said it was fine as he was sure it was a Basal.

He then went on to tell me after he does the mohs I will need flap from either my forehead or cheek as he expects the cut to be to big to close as it'. Right between my eyes on the bridge of my nose.

My question is...

What is involved in flap reconstruction? 

I write to hear others stories, because I don't know anyone who's had melanoma. In the last 2.5 years, I have had 3 melanomas (2 insitu and one 1a). I've also had one basal cell.

In an effort not to devastate myself, I didn't goggle anything. But thought to seek the experience of others. Anyone else traveling a similar path? I have 3 month check ups and also AI scanning every 9 months. I have had genetic testing, which came back negative. I have over 600 moles/spots. Most are all atypical. Besides the sunscreen, UV clothing, check ups and overall intentional mindfulness of the sun- anything else I should be seeking out/doing? Any other treatment you'd recommend?

Appreciate the insight and your time. Thank you!!