Topical Treatment for Squamous Cell Carcinoma

I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on my nose more than 20 years ago. I was referred to a Mohs surgeon and had two or three goes before they got it all. A skin graft was taken from in front of my ear and sewed to my nose. Altogether a miserable and horrifying experience. Not terribly painful.

My skin cancer returned

About a year later, we moved from Southern California to Santa Fe, NM (Think sunshine). Six months into our retirement, I noticed a small lesion adjacent to the original surgery site. So much for "they got it all." I thought, "Oh boy. Here we go again. How much will they take this time?"

My dermatologist helped me set up an appointment with the University of New Mexico Medical School Department of Dermatology. I waited for what I was sure would be more invasive surgery. We even had a plastic surgeon ready to sew me up "again" in case things went badly.

Doctor offered off-label topical treatment

I met with the UNM dermatologist who happened to be head of the department. He examined me and said, "How about trying this ointment that is not approved for anything other than actinic Acs?" I began using 5-fluorouracil (5FU5) and the lesion acted up, and I thought, "It’s not working." It was working and kicking a few butts along the way.

Two decades with no more surgeries

I have been using 5FU5 on that same area for the last 20 years without any additional surgery. Isn't that something? Saved from the guillotine.

I've been a little hesitant to share this story for fear of hearing bad news, but the proof is in the pudding. Perhaps hope for the hopeless/terrified. Only use this with your doctors agreement so that trying it will not endanger you.