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They Took My Biopsy On My Face Lesion But Now

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Posted on Mon, 18 Nov 2019
Question: They took my biopsy on my face lesion but now there does not seem to be anything growing.. is is possible that the doctor got everything with the biopsy? The diagnosis did say invasive squamous cell carcinoma .. so is it possible that there are cancer cells below where they cut for the biopsy? I just do not want them cutting on my face if they don’t have to..it will be on nov 12 is that too long to wait .. if ther is something there will it continue to grow? I am worried never had. anything like this before and it cane up quickly! .. does that mean it is more agrressive? What are the chances I get this one out and another one comes up? Thanks!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Regarding skin cancer

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through your query and noted your concern.

Complete removal of a skin cancer is the goal of treatment. Removal of skin cancer with a margin of clinically normal skin i.e Excision skin biopsy is a standard procedure for skin cancer. They would then test the excised specimen margins if they are all clear.or not. If they are all clear than the procedure (excision biopsy) was curative and nothing else need to be done. However, if one or more margins show cancer extension to them they would need to remove more of neighbouring tissue so as to achieve clear margins which is usually done with MOHS micrographic surgery, specially if it is on face. Else the cancer would recur.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (47 minutes later)
How would I know if it spread to other organs? How likely is a 6 mm squamous cell carcinoma of well differentiated borders likely to spread? How many people get another squamous cell carcinoma within a year? Can intense sunlight bring on a scc? I was on a cruise on the equator surrounded by water.. thanks so much !
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 minutes later)
It grew very fast after my cruise does that make it more aggressive and more dangerous to wait.. I can not get into for Mohs treatment for a couple of weeks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (25 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Regarding SCC

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Risk of eecurrence of skin cancer can be assessed based on factors like location, size, borders, primary vs recurrent , rare of growth, symptoms etc.
An SCC 6 mm is considered low risk on account of its size but then rapid growth is a high risk factor. Apart from that an SCC on central face, eyelids, eyebrows, nose, lips, chin and ear is a high risk SCC.
SCC develops in skin that has been chronically sun damaged over the years.
In those who have SCC, they have an increased risk development of additional skin cancers like SCCs, BCCs as well as Melanomas.
For an SCC on face, especially at high risk sites I mentioned it is always advisable to go for MOHS as compared to standard excision.
Take care.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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They Took My Biopsy On My Face Lesion But Now

Brief Answer: Regarding skin cancer Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through your query and noted your concern. Complete removal of a skin cancer is the goal of treatment. Removal of skin cancer with a margin of clinically normal skin i.e Excision skin biopsy is a standard procedure for skin cancer. They would then test the excised specimen margins if they are all clear.or not. If they are all clear than the procedure (excision biopsy) was curative and nothing else need to be done. However, if one or more margins show cancer extension to them they would need to remove more of neighbouring tissue so as to achieve clear margins which is usually done with MOHS micrographic surgery, specially if it is on face. Else the cancer would recur. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.