Christopher J. Miller, MD

In 2008 I had a squmos cell ca removed from my upper rt. lip. actually in the area at the lipline and between my rt. nostril. I had no real choice as to doing it. It numbing process was painful (lots of needles) but I managed to survive. They removed the tumor in 2 passes. The same day they did a flap closure (my term I know it was a flap but the official name is gone from my mind) I looked awful at the time of surgery and for a few day after. The face and lip area really swells so it is a great shock at first. However, within weeks I was presentible and back to work. I went back to teach within 2 weeks. Now, 4 years out, I have an excellent result. I have a scar where there is a natural crease in your face from your nose area and beside your mouth into the chin. People who do not know me have no idea I had this surgery. I can see it but it is not in anyway disfiguring. I tend to form something called keloids (raised bumps that look like a bump) and I do have one small one of those above my lip where the actual tumor was removed. Again, it isn't bad. My life is changed in ways that I can't name as I removed the cancer and didn't live withit... My one complaint about Moh's is that after you see your regular Dermatologist and the biopsy shows bcc or scc you are sent to the Moh's surgeon. That appointment is for the actual surgery. So without much discussion the process is begun. I am always so tense that I don't question...and perhaps can not process what is really about to happen. Then I find myself in the middle of a serious procedure. I like control and I feel out of control at that time. Trust and belief in the doctors ability is what I rely on. I feel as if there should be a consultation office visit... time... then another scheduled surgery day. However, the plus side is that it is over and done... and the anxiety is short lived. So, if you are having your first Moh's you may want to schedule a consultation explicitly. I am certain that is possible and may/or may not be payed for by your insurance... so check first. I have checked out the info on this sight and the pictures. While it was helpful in some ways in other ways it created much anxiety. I have learned the end result isn't that bad. (that may take a few months) My family has a history of this problem (irish skin) and really while we are changed by the surgery externally to some extent we don't look distorted or ugly. I have had two other Moh's experiences since this first one. I will add more of my stories at a later time.