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Afraid of SCC spreading - can I remove it myself?

Just diagnosed with squamous skin cancer. Was disappointed that system can't get me in for another 10 days and then only a consultation. I want this off me [already been five weeks with it]. Has anyone felt the urgency to take things into one's own hands when system so slow when life or death might be dependent on timely action? I know this sounds foolish, but desperation leads to desperate action.

lesion, only size of nickel, but seems to be growing some; on forearm, easy access. Squamous skin cancer. I felt I could have clipped it off with a nail clipper a week ago...now, will need a deeper cut; and in a month? 10 days...just to fill out paperwork [I assume]. Thanks.

  1. I would not even think of trying to remove a squamous cell carcinoma myself. Much as I do not like plastic surgeons and their cut and graft attitude, an SCC really needs a professional. If you have skin cancer due to prolonged exposure to the sun, you have to accept that it has no cure, just try to stay on top of it and as the actinic keratosis appears, treat it and hope that it does not turn into SCC's or basal cell carcinomas.

    1. I had surgery on april 28 a very fast growing keratoacanthoma that turned out to be scc.. she said she got it all..i have two spots that ate not healing and i am so worried it might be recurring.. only been 7 wks for me. I know this sounds silly but I too had the same thoughts and wondered if I couldn't just get rid of it myself and I was hoping it would just fall off it never did it just kept growing. I'm not going to lie there weren't too many days that went by that I didn't feel like cutting it off myself of course I would never do that.I was lucky i took photos alot from the beginning and i sent them to doc.. and within 1 wk i was in her office for surgery to remove it. Very quick traumatic and painful for me.. covid and those worries were bad enough..i was also recovering from another surger y i had in january.. this is tough to go through especially now.

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