Squamous Cell Carcinoma

[WorriedSick1981]

Hello,
      I recently had a skin blotch removed from my chest that I thought was a birth mark for precautionary reasons.  Well the biposy came back squamous cell carcinoma in-situ.  First off I am only 23 years old.  I guess it could be worse because evrything was removed and there is no need for further treatment.  My dermatologist keeps on sending out the biopsy for third and fourth opinions because he says I'm to young to have this.  Another doctor who my father talked to stated that although it is rare it still happens for no reason and I should be thankfull that I had this taken care of with no problems.  I also have crohn's disease and take 6-mp which plays around with the immune system.  This drug and my past experiences in the sun have caused me to get this, according to the other doctor.  He also said that I shouldn't worry about this anymore because it is gone now and I should be concentrating on other aspects of my life.  Basically my question is what does this all mean?

[WorriedSick1981]

Usually how long does an in-situ cancer take to turn invasive?

Thanks

[mbpiette]

A related discussion, squamous cell carcinomia was started.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Probably not much.  I've seen sun-related skin cancers on young people, and followed them for years without further incident.  You should, of course, take care in the sun, and get regular checkups to catch any possible new things early, but that kind of precaution should be all you need to do.  The last doctor's advice seems sensible and right to me.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff