Suggest prognosis of invasive squamous cell carcinoma with wide excision
Patient: A biopsy for a bump in the middle of my back came back invasive squamous cell carcinoma. A wide excision is scheduled for 12/9. My question: Should the fact that it's "invasive" affect the removal procedure? Dr is proposing a wide excision. Am wondering if this should be addressed using MOHS Surgery? How exactly does "invasive" affect prognosis? Doctor: Hi,Thanks for writing in,An invasive tumor is one which has infiltrated to surrounding tissues. Such a tumor requires wide excision and a margin of healthy tissue is also removed at surgery. This will ensure that the margins are tumor free and there is less scope fr micro invasion of the cancer.From the prognosis point of view, this might be a slightly advanced or aggressive cancer and requires a planned treatment and management. You should be completing dedicated treatment and follow up with the doctor regularly. Mohs surgery might be discussed with your doctor depending on the extent of the cancer. Please do not worry.