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Eliminate Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Facial Scarring
The researchers found skin cancer scars, particularly those located on the head and neck that change physical appearance, tended to have a negative impact on patients’ psychosocial functioning
You wouldn’t think that a formal study was needed to learn that facial scarring “tends to have a negative impact on patients’ psychosocial functioning.” Facial scars can do a number on our self-esteem.
To learn more about other evidence-based therapies that can help prevent the development of non-melanoma skin cancer or relapse, please watch the short video below:
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer at a Glance-
- Risks– UV Exposure, HPV, Genetics, Skin Pigment, Immunosuppression, Radiation Therapy, Age, Previous Skin Cancer,
- Symptoms– Itching, Bleeding, Shape (A,B,C,D,E).
- Diagnosis– Visual inspection (A,B,C,D,E), Skin Biopsy (Shave, Punch, Incisional/Excisional)
- Prognosis- Staging-
- Therapy– Conventional, Non-Conventional, Integrative, Alternative
The first article excerpted and linked confirms what we all know intuitively. Facial scarring has a negative impact on us. More importantly, if you are about to undergo facial surgery please understand that your doctor may “underestimated the importance of physical appearance for skin cancer patients.”
The second article excerpted and linked below confirms Mohs Surgery benefits and risks and the link and excerpt below that is a link to a basic explanation of Mohs Surgery from Wikipedia.
To learn more about therapies to reduce the risk of relapse of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer please scroll down the page and post a question or comment. I will reply ASAP.
Thank you,
David Emerson
- Cancer Survivor
- Cancer Coach
- Director of PeopleBeatingCancer
Mohs Surgery: 5 Things to Know Before You Go
“If you are having Mohs surgery, here are some things to keep in mind before your procedure:
1. Make sure your surgeon is aware of your health history well in advance, including all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you take. You may need to stop or start a medication prior to surgery based on your existing conditions.
2. Ask your doctor about post-op care before the day of your appointment. In some cases, you may need help getting home, or shouldn’t risk brand-new stitches taking stairs. Also, you can be prepared with any supplies you may need at home following the procedure. No one wants to run to the store for gauze or ointment after having surgery.
3. Be ready to wait. Because Mohs surgery is done in stages, including the on-site lab work, you should clear your schedule the day of your procedure. There is just no way to tell in advance how long it will take. You’ll be waiting in the office a minimum of an hour or two, but longer if your first stage isn’t clear of cancerous cells. Bring a phone charger, snacks, water and something to entertain yourself, like a book.
4. Understand that you may experience side effects. Some wounds, especially on the face and scalp, may bleed a little during surgery, and you may have bruises or swelling afterward. Lidocaine, the standard local anesthetic used by Mohs surgeons, may cause a bit of redness, irritation or swelling at the injection site. Some patients, especially if the surgery has several stages and additional injections, may notice a rapid heartbeat, or feel shaky or lightheaded.
5. Before leaving the office, make sure you know about wound care and who to contact (and how) if you have concerns or issues outside of office hours. Knowing the right steps to take will help you relax and give you peace of mind.
Physicians should be aware of patients’ psychosocial status before skin cancer surgery
“The researchers found scars, particularly those located on the head and neck that change physical appearance, tended to have a negative impact on patients’ psychosocial functioning….”
Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
“Mohs micrographic surgery can be an effective treatment. This technique preserves as much nearby healthy skin as possible. It is recommended for squamous cell carcinoma when the highest cure rate is desired while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.1 And for basal cell carcinoma, Mohs surgery is the best treatment for sparing healthy tissue and preventing recurrence.2“
Mohs surgery
“Mohs surgery, also known as chemosurgery, developed in 1938 by a general surgeon, Frederic E. Mohs, is microscopically controlled surgery. During the surgery, after each removal of tissue, while the patient waits, the tissue is examined for cancer cells, and that examination informs the decision for additional tissue removal. Mohs surgery is one of the many methods of obtaining complete margin control during removal of a skin cancer…
The cure rate with Mohs surgery cited by most studies is between 97% and 99.8%[7] for primary basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. Mohs procedure is also used for squamous cell carcinoma, but with a lower cure rate…”