CancerCompass message board discussion started by Penny W. on 9/14/2005 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,2949,0.htm Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hello again In addition to the acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland, two years ago I had a spot on the same side on my neck diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer). My doctor reassured me it has nothing to do with my acinic cell. I believe doctors do not know everything. Also have read some cancers such as acinic cell are very hard to diagnos. I would appreciate any information. Thanks again Penny Penny W. Wed, 14 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT Hi Penny! I don't have any knowledge about the tumor you mention of the Parotoid Gland, however, I work for a dermatologist and also I am a BC survivor. Your doctor is propably correct. One thing I've discovered is when a primary cancer travels either locally or to another part of the body the pathologist finds the same type of cancer cell. For example, if a breast cancer cell were to move to the bone, liver or any other part of the body, pathologically it still has the properties of the original tumor, a breast cancer. It doesn't change to another form of cancer. There is what is called an actinic keratosis in skin and a squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Related to the skin, an actinic keratosis is a PRE-CANCER which can on occasion become a squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated. However if the squamous cell carcinoma were to spread to a nearby gland etc. the pathologist would still find the properties of a squamous cell carcinoma in the recurring tumor. I hope this helps to answer your question. Leemg Wed, 14 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT