Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BigMan63
BigMan63 Member Posts: 4
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hi, My name is Ken, Have recently been diagnosed with SCC.  I had a biopsy done 3 weeks ago. The area is on the left temple, and is about 4 " long and 3" wide. I have been scheduled for MOH'S surgery on June 20th.  It Has been growing, to get this large for at least 5 years.  My Fault, because I listened to My Primary Doctor, who never suggested a dermatologist. He kept giving Me Prescription creams, and said it was a nasty rash.  All It Did Was Get Larger. A large reddish, scaly, bumpy area, that has bled.  Being the area is on the temple for so long, what are the chances it will or did spread ?  Not sure how deep it goes. is the area that is red with the scaly bumps, considered the tumor ??  Any input would be appreciated......Thank's.

Comments

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #2
    welcome

    Hi Ken,

    Welcome to the H&N forum, I am sorry you are here.

    We generally do not see SCC in the temple area around here, but we have now. I do not know anything about the cancer spreading, but the fact that you did not mention swollen lymph nodes may be a good sign.  Swollen lymph nodes are how many of us got our first clue.

    Have you started to plan  your attack or picked a team to help you?  You most likely will have more decisions to make soon.  If you select a good team, those decisions will be made easier.

    Good luck,

    Matt

  • Elisec
    Elisec Member Posts: 11
    #3
    Skin cancer

    Sounds like you have a form of skin cancer rather than head and neck. Squamous Cell can show up in many parts of the body.

  • Josephwc
    Josephwc Member Posts: 69
    #4
    My father was diagnosed with

    My father was diagnosed with the same SSC and it also was over his temple. He went through the surgery and radiation before I was diagnosed with SSC on the tongue. Being diagnosed relatively close together made the journey extremely real for both of us. Also "knock on wood" both of us have had very good results. I could put my mother on here to answer a few questions if you like. She was my fathers best friend through all the appointments and had loads of questions for all of us.Good luck and we all are thinking positive thoughts for you.

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    edited June 2017 #5
    It is squamous cell skin cancer...

    ...unlike melanoma, it stays on the skin.  Chances are, once the Moh's surgery takes place that will be the end of it.  I've had it on the skin 4 times, besides the head and neck cancer....bing bang and it's gone :).

    p

  • BigMan63
    BigMan63 Member Posts: 4
    #6
    Josephwc said:

    My father was diagnosed with

    My father was diagnosed with the same SSC and it also was over his temple. He went through the surgery and radiation before I was diagnosed with SSC on the tongue. Being diagnosed relatively close together made the journey extremely real for both of us. Also "knock on wood" both of us have had very good results. I could put my mother on here to answer a few questions if you like. She was my fathers best friend through all the appointments and had loads of questions for all of us.Good luck and we all are thinking positive thoughts for you.

    SCC

    Thank You Very much For Your Input and Thoughts.  Hope All Is Well With You And Your Dad.

  • BigMan63
    BigMan63 Member Posts: 4
    #7
    phrannie51 said:

    It is squamous cell skin cancer...

    ...unlike melanoma, it stays on the skin.  Chances are, once the Moh's surgery takes place that will be the end of it.  I've had it on the skin 4 times, besides the head and neck cancer....bing bang and it's gone :).

    p

    SCC

    Thank You For Responding.  I Do Not get My Consultation until The Day Of The Surgery.  I'm Just Curious Because Of The Size of The Area, If It had Spread.

  • BigMan63
    BigMan63 Member Posts: 4
    #8
    CivilMatt said:

    welcome

    Hi Ken,

    Welcome to the H&N forum, I am sorry you are here.

    We generally do not see SCC in the temple area around here, but we have now. I do not know anything about the cancer spreading, but the fact that you did not mention swollen lymph nodes may be a good sign.  Swollen lymph nodes are how many of us got our first clue.

    Have you started to plan  your attack or picked a team to help you?  You most likely will have more decisions to make soon.  If you select a good team, those decisions will be made easier.

    Good luck,

    Matt

    SCC

    Thank's For Your Response Matt.  As Far As a Team, I guess that Would be My dermatologist and Moh's Surgeon.  Cancer Runs through My Family.  I drove Tractor-Trailer forFor 38 Year's, So Getting All That Sun Didn't Help.  I'm Also Very Light Skinned, With Freckles.  

  • sgtbuck
    sgtbuck Member Posts: 1
    #9
    stage 4a base of tongue and nodes

    Have just been denied SS Disability. Oncologist in 10/2016 gave me 6 months to a year. In Feb this year, half way thru my treatments, was thrown out of my home by wife who filed for divorce, thus ending my treatments. Received my denial letter today. Their claim is that the stage 4a is not likely to spread over the next year therefore making me ineligible for disability. Medical records also show 4 heart attacks, 2 heart surgeries and degenerative disc disease. Yet am expected to return to construction work ASAP. I don't have the strength to walk 500 yards. Have lost over 40 lbs, down to 160.

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