Resolved question:
Hi, Doctor,
I'm a 73 year old male who is in otherwise pretty good health.
I have seen a dermatologist over the last several years for minor superficial skin cancers. In the last two years, however, I have had worsening Basel and squamous cell cancers on my forehead and both sides of my face that are appearing very frequently. I mostly get squamous cell lately and recently had two Moh's surgeries. I am scheduled to have five more places removed (squamous cell),although not Moh's at various locations on my face. My doctor says "I could throw a dart at your
face and wherever it lands will turn out to be cancer". My question is: it seems like my whole face is becoming skin cancer. If this is so, shouldn't I get a few nodes analyzed? Also, isn't this turning out to be a rather dangerous syndrome? He's a nice guy but plays his cards close to his vest when answering questions like this, and I'm a person who likes to know just where I stand.
Thanks,
Lou
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello Mr. Lou.
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com.
I understand your concern.
I would require additional information in order to provide my best opinion.
1. Has your latest squamous cell cancer (SCC) been staged? If yes please mention it.
2. Has your doctor examined you for any enlarged lymph nodes? If yes, were there any palpable nodes?
3. Has an imaging study like a CT, MRI or PET scan been done recently? If yes, please mention their results.
4. What is the size of the biggest tumor you have? Have you had bigger ones earlier?
Please reply to the above in the follow up.
Lymph node biopsy is usually done when any node is palpable on physical examination. When lymph nodes aren't palpable, mostly an imaging study like CT or MRI is done.
Prognosis depends on many factors such as tumor size, depth of invasion, histological features, stage etc.
Awaiting your response,
Kind regards.