Treatment for skin cancer varies depending on the type, stage, and location of the disease. Surgical removal is usually the first option. Surgical removal of a small benign tumor has a high cure rate and is very effective. For cancers that have spread but are not aggressive, doctors may use cryotherapy, which involves freezing tumor cells to kill them. Other options may include medicated creams and biologic therapies. These treatments can boost the immune system and help the body fight cancer.
The first step in diagnosing a mole is to look for changes in its size, color, and shape. This is a sign of skin cancer. A doctor may recommend a biopsy to further examine the condition. A biopsy is a simple procedure that involves the removal of a small piece of skin. The sample is sent to a laboratory for testing. The results will determine the presence or absence of cancer. It is vital to seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these changes.
Nonmelanoma skin cancers typically develop on areas of the body exposed to sunlight, such as the face. These cancers can look like small, firm red or pink patches, or they can resemble keratoacanthomas, or large, mass-like masses. The second most common type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma is not nearly as dangerous as melanoma. However, it is associated with the condition of congenital melanocytic nevi. If a nevi is larger than 20mm, the likelihood of developing cancer is greater.
Stage 1 is a noninvasive form of melanoma. It has not spread to other parts of the body but has increased in size and thickness. Stage 2 is a cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes and/or distant tissues. It may spread to distant organs. Stage 4 cancer is invasive and has spread to distant sites. It is also characterized by a high likelihood of recurring. It is best to see a doctor if you have any suspicious signs.
While sun exposure and clothing are the most important methods of protection against the sun, you should also use a sunscreen with a high SPF. Apply sunscreen to your face twenty to thirty minutes before you step out and reapply every two hours. Wrap-around sunglasses provide the best UV protection. Avoid tanning booths or sunlamps as they emit UV light. Severe sunburn increases the risk of melanoma. You may also want to consider using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least SPF 50.
Treatment for melanoma is a combination of topical medications and outpatient surgery. The early detection of skin cancer can save you from potentially life-threatening complications, such as the spread of the disease. In addition to topical medications, dermatologists also offer inpatient and outpatient treatments. When you find a cancer, a dermatologist can use immunotherapy to fight it before it spreads to other parts of the body. In some cases, radiation and chemotherapy are used to treat advanced cases of the disease.
