SCC on forehead growing at an alarming rate

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I was diagnosed with suspected SCC on my forehead last week and am waiting for an appointment with the plastic surgeon.  It seemed to appear from nowhere and in three weeks has grown at an alarming rate and is quite uncomfortable.  Does anyone have any experience of skin graft/ skin flap for the removal of SCC (is this performed under local anaesthetic) or experience of fast growing SCC.  Any advice is welcome. 

  • My journey started with a rapidly growing lesion on my left temple. Within three weeks it had grown from hardly noticeable to quite large, crusty with some bleeding. My GP fast tracked me to dermatology at local hospital for what he diagnosed was a BCC.

    On inspection the lesion was then diagnosed as an aggressive SCC. Two weeks later I had surgery and full thickness skin graft.

    Unfortunately the biopsy post surgery found that not all the cancer had been removed so further surgery and skin graft. Healing was long and difficult as I have type 2 diabetes so was expected. Once healed I had four weeks of adjunctive radiotherapy as the cancer was categorised as spindle cell type and as a precaution the radiotherapy was carried out to hopefully prevent re occurrence. My lesion site has now fully healed and apart from some hair loss is hardly noticeable. It was a long journey but the outcome was worth it.

  • Hi Anita I had two Basal cell cancers on my face 2 years ago. Whilst having one excised with a skin flap the Plastic surgeon did a biopsy on the other one which was under my eye right at the top of my nose.  He did say perhaps the biopsy would be all that was needed as it was small.  However when I went back for a check up he couldnt believe how quickly it had grown and within a week I was havinbg that one removed with a skin graft.  They were all performed under local anaesthetic and once injections were done felt no pain whatsoever.  I know SCC's are worse that BCC's but the proecedure to remove them is similar.  The healing was tedious as it didnt look very nice and I thought I would never be the same again, but he did tell me to be patient and I would be surprised.  I was as now the cars are barely visible.  Where are you having them done.  I would add I am paranoid about being in the sun now as I always used sun protection before but now Factor 50 ever day.  Good Luck and keep in touch xx

  • Thanks for your responses and support.  I certainly feel more confident having read about your experiences.  I’m seeing the plastic surgeon tomorrow so will have more information on the proposed treatment plan.  

    1. Thats good Anita let me know how you go on, wher abouts do you live. I had mine done at Derby xx