Hi, I am having MOHS surgery for an SCC in a few days. I am prone to anxiety and it has been a hard week since I learned of the diagnosis.
I had a wart looking lump on my collarbone that was biopsied by my derm and came back as a well differentiated SCC. He excised a 4mm X 6mm. I have had severe anxiety about it spreading already. I was told there was nothing to worry about by my derm but that is hard not to do. I understand that SCC rarely spreads and MOHS has a 98% cure rate. It is a positive that it is well differentiated. Never-the-less I am deeply worried, not about the MOHS but the spread.
I am hoping someone here has had experience with this and can help.
Thanks for this forum.
Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community
I'm sorry to read that you have to have Mohs surgery to remove a SCC in a few days time. Even if you didn't suffer from anxiety then this would still be an anxious time for most people.
I've held back from responding to you as I had a melanoma removed by surgical excision so not the same skin cancer or operation.
SCC (squamous cell carcinoma) is the second most common type of skin cancer and is classed as a low risk skin cancers. The vast majority are cured with simple surgery and very rarely spread.
Some SCCs are removed by Mohs micrographic surgery and, during the procedure the skin cancer is removed a thin layer at a time with a small margin of healthy skin surrounding it. Each layer is immediately checked under the microscope by either the surgeon or a pathologist. The layer of skin is examined in horizontal sections. A further layer is taken from any areas in which the tumour remains until all of the skin cancer has been fully removed. The advantage of removing the skin layer by layer in this way is that as little healthy skin around the skin cancer is removed, which keeps the wound as small as possible. Secondly, your dermatological surgeon can be almost certain that the skin cancer is fully removed on the day of the procedure. Therefore the chance of any cells being left behind to spread are extremely low.
Let us know how you get on next week.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Unfortunately it is possible to have several skin cancers at the same time.
It would be a good idea to make an appointment to see your GP about the areas you're concerned about. They will then be able to refer you back to the dermatologist if they are also concerned.
Hopefully it'll be nothing to worry about but it's always best to get these things checked.
It's natural to be extra vigilant and to worry about changes you find to your skin. However, on the plus side it does mean you'll find anything early!
Let me know how you get on at the GPs.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
