Squamous cell carcinoma of the nose
May 7, 2025, dx of squamous cell on my nose,(a very tiny area of rough skin.) I had Moh’s surgery which extended from betweenmy eyebrows to the end of my nose. Within 3 months, the cancer “blew up” now covering 1/4 of my nose is raised and very painful and now requires yet another Moh’s surgery if there were clear margins, how can this occur and why is it severely worse? Of course I’m Irish, fair skinned and 76 years old. I do not want to go through the pain of this yet more extensive surgery again. Would love your help and suggestions
My heart goes out to you,
. You haven't really even had time to heal from the last surgery. We are not medical experts, but I can understand why you are concerned about more Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery generally has a high success rate, so, personally, I would be worry that either the doctor didn't test all the margins or there was a mistake in the lab. Have you considered seeing another doctor even if you have to travel a bit? Given how quickly it recurred, I seem like you should decide quickly. Maybe your primary care doctor can get you in with a good plastic surgeon quickly.
There are some alternatives to Mohs but, unfortunately, Mohs is usually considered the best option. Here is an article about recurrences that might interest you: https://skincancer.net/types-signs/signs-of-recurrence. Please keep us posted. I'l be thinking of you.
- Lori (Team Member)Lorie,
Thank you so much for your response and information provided. Believe me I am in a whirlwind of worry over this squamous cell carcinoma on my nose that returned so quickly. I spoke directly to the Moh’s surgeon today and asked her to re-check the slides to see if she missed something. She did review the pathology slides, but of course She stated she could not determine any areas missed. To complicate matters I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 45 years and unfortunately, the biologic that I have taken for nearly 20 years causes skin cancer and I believe I am seeing this at work now. This “Moh's surgeon wants to do another Moh’s procedure while having a board certified plastic facial surgeon do reconstructive surgery following and the reconstruction appears to be extensive . I’m 76 years old and having worked for surgeons for my entire career, I no longer trust what is said. I only know that if I don’t do something, I will have little nose left If any and in a veryshort period of time f am devastated to go through such a traumatic surgery at age 76 and I will never know if it was “missed”.
Thank you again for your support
JoanneYou have some big decisions ahead of you, Joanne. Please know we are here for you whenever you need us. - Lori (Team Member) Hi Joanne. I know it's only been a few days, but I wondered whether you've made a decision. Skin cancer is a known risk for certain biologics, but I hope you're not beating yourself up for taking them. I'm guessing that, without them, your quality of life would have been significantly impacted over the past several years and that skin cancer might have been the least of your worries at this point. I have a relative with PsA (diagnoed in his later 20s) who went off biologics for a few months when he lost his insurance. Within two months, he was experiencing debilitating pain and his fingers had started curling. He's only in his early 50s. He can't work without biologics. I can't imagine where he would be now if not for that medication. Sending lots of gentle hugs your way. - Lori (Team Member)
Lori,
Thank you so much for following up with me. It means more than I can tell you
I have two surgeries scheduled next week .Wednesday. I have Moh’s surgery to hopefully remove the recurrent aggressive,squamous cell carcinoma on my nose. The following day, Thursday, I go into the hospital to have facial reconstruction surgery requiring anesthesia. A separate surgeon is doing the surgery, a “forehead flap” This procedure entails using part of my forehead to cover my nose. It is left in place for approximately a month for blood supply.
The Rheumatologist and I have decided that as a result of the numerous squamous cell cancers just this year alone , I will stop having IV orencia which I have been on for 20 years. In fact, I will not take any biologic after this point . It may be too late to stop the skin cancers however I do not care to add to the risk! I have had over 35 surgeries in my life and have worked for surgeons the majority of my career, yet this one is by far the most frightening. I’m not sure I would’ve taken biologics knowing high risk of skin cancer. All prayers welcome!
Thanks, JoanneJoanne, we’ll be thinking of you in these upcoming days. Sending you lots of positive thoughts and wishes for successful surgeries and recovery🩷. Please let us know how everything goes. Best wishes, Julie (team member) Hi
. I hope that you have slowed the progression of your RA enough that it doesn't not beome debilitating in the future without medication. To echo Julie, we'll be thinking of you and sending lots of healing vibes in hopes of a quick and full recover. - Lori (Team Member)
Thank you all for your kind words!
Joanne
