The treatment of basal cell carcinoma depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Surgery can be an option to remove the cancer completely. In some cases, chemotherapy is also an option to treat the cancer. Radiation therapy is another treatment option that uses high-energy beams of light to destroy the cancer cells. This treatment may be used after surgery or when the condition is too advanced to undergo surgery. However, both treatments will leave scars on the affected area.
Treatment for basal cell carcinoma depends on the type of tumor and the risk group. Local therapy can remove the cancerous cells on the affected area, but systemic therapy, which travels through the blood, will kill cancer cells throughout the body. Surgery for basal cell carcinoma is typically an option. The type of surgery depends on the risk group, location, and size of the cancer. While the treatment for basal cancer cells is based on the location and the size of the tumor, it may also include the removal of some healthy cells.
In addition to radiation therapy, a specific type of laser light and a liquid drug can also be used to cure basal cancer cells. During the treatment, the liquid drug transforms into a chemical that makes the tumor cells susceptible to light. As the cancer cells become sensitive to light, they are destroyed by the special light. Laser therapy is a relatively new treatment option for superficial basal cell carcinoma. The light rays used for this treatment kill cancer cells by destroying their DNA.
In addition to chemotherapy, surgery is often the first option for treatment for basal cell carcinoma. It is possible for it to be removed without removing healthy skin and tissue surrounding it. However, the surgeon must consider the potential for recurrence. Patients who cannot undergo surgery are often recommended for other treatment options. If surgery is not an option, cryotherapy may be an option. In addition to freezing cancer cells, this treatment can help remove any scarring caused by the surgery.
In addition to chemotherapy, physicians may also choose other treatment options for basal cell carcinoma. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of the affected area and examining it under a microscope. Depending on the size of the lesion, its depth, and location, basal cell carcinoma may be treated surgically or through nonsurgical local treatments. Patients must also consider their overall health to decide on the best treatment option for them. A doctor’s diagnosis and treatment are vital for a cure.
Other treatments include topical chemotherapy. In addition to Imiquimod 5% cream and 5-fluorouracil (FTC), topical therapy is another option for basal cell carcinoma treatment. These treatments can be applied to the affected area in order to eliminate the cancer cells. While topical chemotherapy can be an option, it can’t guarantee complete tumor clearance. In addition to surgery, other treatments are available, including immunotherapy, which works with the immune system to kill cancer cells.