Squamous Cell Carcinoma on top of scalp.

[Liberty Belle]

Just got diagnosis today. I'm worried because I ignored this for a long time, thought it was just dry scalp, or irritation from a perm, and then the dermatology dept. shut down for a while due to COVID. So it's probably been there close to a year, maybe more.

Here's some irony. I was concerned whether it was safe to see a hairdresser, but finally did. She saw the spot on my scalp and told me to get it checked out. So ironically going to the hairdresser might have saved my life instead of killing me with COVID.

Waiting to see a specialist now, but I'm worried after doing online research on this.

The biopsy said it's well defined (which is actually good) but also ulcerated (not good).

They only biopsied a small portion but the itchy area is longer than an inch, in the part line.

Anybody have any experience with this?

They want to send me to an ENT, which seemed odd. Is that the right specialist to see? What tests should I ask for?

I'm in my 60s, previously had a basal cell carcinoma on the collar bone and a couple of pre-cancerous spots on my face taken off.

I'm healthy except for chronic neck and back issues, which I attributed to car accidents, but for the past month have had sharp shoulder pain that feels like an impingement on the opposite side from where I was previously injured...any chance a cancer that metastasized could do that? My lymph glands don't feel swollen, so that's good. Still the prognosis for this on the scalp can be bad depending on how advanced it is, and I don't know the stage yet.

I'd appreciate hearing from any medical professionals or anybody who has had this type of cancer on the scalp.

[sprinkleeninow]

1. 💗

[Bobespy]

2. Your dermatologist

Your dermatologist should be able to deal with this cancer. You do not need to undergo MOH surgery. I have had 7 skin cancers so far, 3 treated by MOH surgery, 2 treated via a biopsy, and 2 treated with a topical cream. As long as it is not melanoma, you are okay.

[stollen]

3. Why not MOH?

Walter Reed is treating my basel cells via MOH surgery. I'm on immuno suppressants, so maybe the derm doctors want to be extra sure it's gone?

[CurtEastPoint]

10. It's called Mohs Surgery... info below

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohs_surgery

[elleng]

5. Dermatologist will/may refer to surgeon for outpatient MOH surgery;

my dermatologist did not 'deal with' it himself.

'Doctors use Mohs surgery (also called Mohs micrographic surgery) to treat skin cancer. The goal is to remove as much of it as possible while saving the healthy tissue around it. Layers of skin are removed one at a time and examined under a microscope until all the cancer is gone. This reduces the chance of needing future treatments or surgery.' https://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/mohs-surgery#1

[ailsagirl]

7. Welcome to DU, Bobespy!!

[Liberty Belle]

12. I had MOHs surgery before on a basal cell cancer that grew back.

That one formed above my collarbone along the front of my neck, atop scar tissue from neurosurgery after an accident. It grew back, so had to get the MOHs procedure which was difficult due to the location. Hoping they don't have to do that on top of my head (I would lose hair follicles and have a bald spot probably) but will do whatever the doctors say within reason.

They are referring me to an ENT with seems odd, but I guess they handle head and neck stuff.

[stollen]

4. I had what I was told was squamous cell on my scalp

once it was biopsied. I was traveling.

It grew back, and I had it rediagnosed. Now it's Basel, so, a misdiagnosis. MOH's surgery was performed. It's gone.

Make that derm appt and please don't worry.

[elleng]

6. Good. Thanks.

[stollen]

11. I can appreciate your concern however.

I have compromised health....immunosuppressants....but my worry was for nothing, and Squamous doesn't spread that fast anyway. Good on you for being proactive, though!

[Silver Gaia]

8. My husband has had skin cancer for probably 45 or 50 years.

He has basal cell almost all the time, has had squamous cell several times, and melanoma once. Some of his cancers are on his scalp (also face, neck, and arms). From my experience with him, I want to reassure you. They will take good care of you, and you will be fine. Try not to worry.

[Liberty Belle]

13. So I had the Mohs surgery. Good news is they got it all and it didn't metastasize...

bad news is I've got staples in the top of my head that hurt like the dickens.