SCC grade 3 - options for treatment

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I discovered a pimple on my chin which in 4 short weeks had grown rapidly, was excised and diagnosed as SCC pT3. The tumour was removed with clear margins but only just in some areas. Histology said SCC, moderately differentiated, invading deep skeletal muscle, widespread perineural invasion with some lympovascular invasion. It had a margin in one area of < 0.1mm due to separate focus of tumour embolus with a vessel.
It was referred to a MDT who recommended 2nd op with wider excision which has since been done and awaiting results of that.
But after that recommendation is just to do regular skin checks.
I asked if they would check if it has spread (untrasound/ CT scan/MRI but they said NICE guidelines do not necessitate it and they do not recommend radiotherapy.

im so concerned about the perineural invasion and don’t understand the line about the rumour embololus.
I also don’t understand why it grew so aggressively and so quickly. I’m not a sunbather although am a fair skinned 57 year old.x
has anyone else been through similar and can reassure me that the invasions they mentioned don’t require further Action??

thank you

Hi Solver and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

I haven't experienced having a SCC so can't help with your questions I'm afraid. It might be an idea to also post this is in the Ask a Nurse section of the online community or phone the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000. If you want to do the former then you won't be able to add a post until Monday but the Support Line are open daily from 9am to 8pm.

It would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

Navy Mum2 over 1 year ago

Hello Solver, my Partner is in a similar situation with Adenosquamous cell with Perineural Invasion and T stage 3 he is having Radiotherapy did you get any answers to your questions re this.?

Solver 4 months ago in reply to Navy Mum2

Sorry I have just seen your message. No I am afraid I didn’t do now just on a routine 4 monthly check up.

I am concerned because I haven’t had a full body check / scan to make sure there is no evidence of any other areas of concern. My consultant’s view is that the most likely place for a reoccurance would be around the site of the original SCC so this is all that is checked in follow ups.

Navy Mum2 4 months ago in reply to Solver

Hello Solver, I also asked about full body check and was informed that Guildford where he was treated have stated normal check ups which worries me as he is losing weight. He has just had another biopsy on his ear (12 months on from the original surgery)and are waiting to hear results from the path lab. Nothing has been said regarding how long it will be between check ups following this latest this episode.

Solver 4 months ago in reply to Navy Mum2

That is a concern. Hope the biopsy brings good news.
I think the hardest thing is not wanting to be a demanding patient but at the same time wanting to ensure everything thst can be done is being done to ensure there is no re-occurance.

I have actually today tried to book a body scan with a highly regarded dermatologist locally. Her secretary is hopeless and despite me emailing 3 times now I still don’t know if she will do a body scan at the appointment / if I have booked the correct thing. It’s just all so stressful and frustrating.

Navy Mum2 4 months ago in reply to Solver

Oh I agree 100% you have to think that Budgets are part and parcel to all this which is an awful thing to say but I wouldn't be surprised. I hope you get your full body scan then it will give you chance to either adapt or breathe a sigh of relief hopefully the latter xx

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SCC grade 3 - options for treatment