Doctors, what can I expect next?
 

I know it's a big ask but I'm freaking out. My 26 year old daughter called last night to tell me she has cancerous skin growths that must be removed. We've had moles removed before from her but this is the first time its been cancerous and this one escaped detection for awhile due to its location. We've never smoked, shes never lived with a smoker, we've been careful about sun exposure so this is just one of those things I guess and I just don't know whats next.

Depends entirely on the diagnosis. Basal cell carcinoma is no big deal. Squamous cell a little worse. Melanoma is not good.

What's the diagnosis?

We're awaiting the diagnosis

They have distinctive appearances. The dermatologist should have a very good idea of what it is before the biopsy.

Thanks Moses. This is hard. I'm on the sidelines as my daughter is an adult and running her own life. This is only 48 hours old and we're all still raw. So we haven't had a cool headed discussion yet. My head is really spinning.

The VAST majority of skin cancers are basal cell cancers. They don't metastasize. You remove them and it's over. No problem at all. It might even be an actinic keratosis which is even less concerning. Can she describe what it looked like?

I'll ask her. Thanks Moses. BTW does location matter?

Best to your daughter, flatt.

It turned out to be squamous cell and the doctor had to remove quite alot of skin and muscle. It looks like they got all of it but they are checking.

It does look good for my baby girl though.!!!!!

Squamous cell cancers are generally very curable. They can metastasize, but do so rarely. They are not unpredictable and scary like melanoma. Where was hers located?

The one she had removed was on her calf. She has another one on the inside of her thigh that is to be removed in two weeks. As my daughter put it" its damn close to my junk".

The doctor wanted to let her rest a bit in between.

Your guidance is greatly appreciated Moses. I was feeling pretty lonely there for awhile.

It's good news. Sounds like she'll be just fine. If it were my daughter, I'd insist on a Moh's surgeon.