Skin Cancer Health Center

Surgery

There are several methods of surgery for skin cancer. The method your doctor uses depends mainly on the type of skin cancer, the size of the cancer and where it was found on your body. Your doctor can further describe these methods of surgery:

  • Excisional skin surgery. This is a common treatment to remove any type of skin cancer.
  • Mohs surgery (also called Mohs micrographic surgery). This method is often used for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers.
  • Electrodesiccation and curettage. This method is often used to remove a small basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer.
  • Cryosurgery. This method is an option for an early-stage or a very thin basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells . Drugs for skin cancer can be given in several ways.

Lotions and creams applied to skin

A cream or lotion form of chemotherapy may be used to treat very thin, early-stage basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer (Bowen disease). It may also be used if there are several small skin cancers.

The cream or lotion contains a drug that kills cancer cells only in the top layer of the skin.

Carac, Efudex or Fluoroplex (fluorouracil, another name is 5-FU). Fluorouracil is used to treat early-stage basal cell and squamous cell cancers.

Aldara (imiquimod). This drug is used to treat early-stage basal cell cancer.

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a drug along with a special light source, such as a laser light, to kill cancer cells. PDT may be used to treat very thin, early-stage basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer (Bowen disease).

  • The drug is either rubbed into the skin or injected intravenously (into a vein).
  • The drug is absorbed by cancer cells, where it stays longer than in normal cells.
  • Several hours or days later, a special light is focused on the cancer.
  • The drug becomes active and destroys the cancer cells.

Biological Therapy

Some people with advanced melanoma receive a drug called biological therapy, which is used to boost the body's natural defense (immune system response) against cancer.

  • One drug for melanoma is interferon.
  • Another drug used for melanoma is interleukin-2.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. The radiation comes from a large machine outside the body. It affects cells only in the treated area. You will go to a hospital or clinic several times for this treatment.

Radiation therapy is not a common treatment for skin cancer. But it may be used for skin cancer in areas where surgery could be difficult or leave a bad scar.

Review Date: 
March 28, 2012
Last Updated:
June 28, 2013
Source:
dailyrx.com