Will Moh's surgery be recommended for squamous cell skin cancer?
Patient: I have been diagnosed with squamous cell skin cancer.  Only .2 cells are identified with the other as pre-cancerous.  I have had basal cell 5 times and had them removed.  The squamous cell is on my nose which causes me to rethink the treatment.  My dermatologist reccomended Moh's surgery, but ,my plastic surgeion said to try the topical cream, first.    I am trying to research the best way for treatment and don't want a huge scar on my nose.  2 of the basal cells were on my forehead so I know the aftermath.  You can't even see the place where the biopsy was taken; only a tiny red dot.  Should I try the topical cream?  Will I see signs if this does not work; such as, the scaly spot on my nose returning?  I just don't want to be cut on if I can treat this less aggressively. Doctor: Mohs surgery offers tissue sparing , facilitating small minimally disfiguring reconstructions of the resulting defects. Its time consuming and largely dependent on the technique. Topical chemotherapy creams are a first Option if all the cells were precancerous.Since you had basal cell carcinoma previously, you are a high risk candidate and surgical approach is best suited for you.Regards