Scc Again So Soon?

I had a scc removed via Moh's, and two weeks later when the bandage and stiches came out noticed another scc about an inch from the previous one!  Yikes!  That was yesterday, and I made an appointment to see the dermatologist on Tuesday to confirm (it looks exactly like the last one).  I'm really scared-both of my parents died of cancer (lymphoma and brain).  I just found this board and am grateful for a place to search for info.  I expected to see more in the future, but worried to see it so soon.  I am 47.

The reoccurance of SCC of the skin is not uncommon. It may be possible that the doctor did not get all of the margin of the original lesion during your Moh's procedure, sometimes it is necessary to do 3-4 staging to be sure that an uninvolved margin has been established. In addition you need to be very careful about exposure to sun-light, clothing that binds or chafes and harsh chemicals found in some detergents and bleach products. Some people are more prone to developing SCC, those folks who suffer from actinic keratosis need to monitor those lesions carefully and see there dermatologist regularly to try and avoid developing mofe SCC lesions. Best wishes.

The doctor did three circles out from the "epicenter" before he declared the margins clear.  Can you recommend a safe detergent?

If you have recurrence then radiation therapy should be used particularly with a squamous cell.  The area could be a recurrence or a new cancer forming from dysplastic/ premalignant adjacent sking.  If all the skin around the area has AK's  then radiation can cover the cancer and clean up the area as well.

One problem with surgery is they only can treat one at a time and when they close the wound it is often with premalignant skin therefore you get another lesion right beside the scar. Skin Cancer is rarely a single event, it is multiple and in many cases a "field" effect on all areas exposed to the sun.  It is also destructive therapy so it is cosmetically deforming even with the best results.