Well differentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Hi all. I am a 43 year old woman who was just diagnosed with well differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma. It was smaller than an eraser and was on my mid back for about 4 months. They did the shave biopsy and when they did the skin excision a few days later they said there was no cancer cells noted in pathology. I am going to get a full body skin check but my mind is going haywire. I am worried I have other cscc or even worse melanoma. Or that this now increases my chance of other cancers. Or I worry they did not get all of it and pathology is wrong. I have a baby and a teen. I worry about if I get something else but it isn’t caught fast enough. I never Sun bathed never smoked I am at a loss. Let me know what is you all do to calm your nerves and anything you suggest I do beyond skin checks? Should I get my overall blood work done? Work with a naturopath?
Hi
. Welcome to the community! I'm glad they caught your skin cancer early and that your doctor is confident you are cancer-free. Know that is perfectly normally to worry that they didn't get it all or that it will return in the same spot or elsewhere. That worry can lead to healthy vigilance or it can become an unhealthy obsession. The challenge is to find that balance. Here is an article about the fear of recurrence that might help you feel less alone: https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/dealing-fear-recurrence.
Have you talked with your doctor about how you feel? Sometimes, if dermatologists knows patients are anxious, they'll schedule skin checks more often, at least for the first year. Bloodwork will not likely do you much good since most skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, develops and generally stays in the upper layers of the skin. There's no evidence that travels in the bloodstream.
Naturopaths can't treat or cure skin cancer, but they can be really helpful when it comes to cancer prevention by recommending vitamins and minerals, dietary changes and lifestyle changes that are associated with skin cancer prevention. If you do decide to see a naturopath though, it's still important to see your dermatologist regularly for skin checks. Dermatologists are experts in spotting skin cancer and, if you are established with one, you are likely to get faster treatment.
Here is an article from one of our health leaders about his own coping mechanisms: https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/traumatic-journey. I hope you find it helpful and that others chime in here with their own experiences and advice. We're here for you whenever you need us.
Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)Thank you so King or this thoughtful reply. I’ll read those articles. I am curious if anyone has bought their own dermatoscope and use it at home in between the derm skin checks?
