According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. There are two main types of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is a more serious skin cancer type but is less common than non-melanoma.
Skin cancer can develop on any part of the body, but it’s most likely to appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and hands. Several treatment options are available for skin cancer, depending on the type and stage of the disease. This guide explores some of the most common skin cancer treatment options.
Surgery
Surgery is often the first line of treatment for skin cancer. The type of surgery will depend on the size, location, and type of skin cancer. Here are the surgery options available.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly effective treatment for skin cancer and has a very high success rate. In this procedure, the surgeon removes the visible tumor in layers. Each layer is then examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. The surgeon continues to remove tissue until no cancer cells are present.
Simple Excision
Simple excision is another surgical option for skin cancer patients. In this procedure, the surgeon removes the visible tumor along with a small margin of healthy tissue. The wound is then closed with stitches.
Shave Excision
Shave excision is similar to simple excision, but only the top layer of skin is removed. This surgery is often used for small tumors that are not likely to spread.
Curettage and Electrodesiccation
Curettage and electrodesiccation is a surgical procedure that involves removing the tumor with a sharp instrument called a curette. The area is then treated with an electrical current to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery is a treatment option that involves freezing the tumor with liquid nitrogen. This type of treatment can be used for both superficial and deep tumors.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. The two main types of radiation therapy are external beam radiation therapy and internal beam radiation therapy.
External beam radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to direct the rays at the cancer cells, while internal beam radiation therapy uses a device that emits the rays from inside the body.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which are more common in cancerous tumors. When applied to the skin, chemotherapy drugs can help to shrink tumors and kill cancerous cells. This treatment can work on all types of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles, with each cycle lasting for a few weeks.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes light to destroy cancer cells. The therapy involves applying a light-sensitive drug to the skin and exposing the area to a specific type of light. The light activates the drug, which then destroys the cancer cells. PDT is most often used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, but it can also treat other types of skin cancer.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. The immune system is a complex system that helps to protect the body from infection and disease. However, cancer cells often evade detection by the immune system, allowing them to multiply unchecked. Immunotherapy works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with skin cancer, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists of Northern California. Our team of experienced professionals will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that is right for you. Remember, early detection is key to successful treatment, so schedule regular skin check-ups with us.
