There are many options for skin cancer treatment. Surgery, radiation therapy, and laser and light-based treatments are all options. Additionally, you can choose between topical therapies and medications that are taken orally or injected. Your physician will decide which treatment method is best for you, taking your age, general health, and medical history into consideration. If your skin cancer is not curable, you may consider palliative care. This type of treatment can relieve symptoms and minimize side effects.
Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the cells of the outer epidermis. This type of cancer is most common on the face, neck, lower legs, and other areas that are exposed to the sun. Melanoma, on the other hand, may develop anywhere on the body, including internal organs. Men are most likely to develop melanoma on the face, while women typically develop it on the lower legs and trunk. However, melanoma can occur on areas that are not exposed to sunlight.
Another type of skin cancer treatment is electrochemotherapy. Electrochemotherapy involves administering chemotherapy medicine directly into a tumor, either through a vein or a lymph node. The medication is delivered through electrodes that direct strong electrical pulses to the cancer. This allows the medicine to penetrate more deeply and damage the tumor more efficiently. The procedure usually takes about an hour and requires a general anesthetic. This treatment has many advantages, including the fact that it can heal with minimal scarring.
In addition to chemotherapy, you can also opt for prescription creams for squamous cells that can be applied at home. They stimulate your body’s natural immune system, which can fight off cancer cells. Because squamous cells are located in the upper layer of the epidermis, they appear as scaly patches on the skin. These spots are typically painful and tender to touch. Melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer, with an estimated 250,000 new cases each year.
Some doctors recommend immunotherapy to treat melanoma. Cytokines are molecules that regulate immune activity. Interleukin-2 and alpha-interferon are two examples of cytokines that are used in this treatment. They increase immune system activity and may target cancer cells. However, cytokines are not recommended for everyone as they can cause side effects. Your doctor will determine if your condition is suitable for immunotherapy.
Surgery for skin cancer involves removing the affected portion of the skin. The surgeon will remove all cancerous tissue, while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. This treatment is particularly useful for tumors with difficult shapes or in areas with a limited number of skin flaps. After Mohs surgery, your doctor may suggest reconstructive plastic surgery. This treatment is not always successful, but it can give you the chance to live a normal life again.
Another type of skin cancer treatment involves the use of topical medications. A dermatologist may apply a cream or gel to the affected area. Topical chemotherapy may be used for melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or actinic keratoses. It is also known as 5-FU and is used only when there is no other treatment option available. If your skin cancer recurs, your doctor will likely prescribe a topical chemotherapy treatment for you.
