Skin Cancer Treatment

In the skin, the most common types of cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.  The names reflect the cell within the skin from which the particular type of skin cancer originates.

Initial treatment of most skin cancers has a high success rate regardless of the treatment modality.  Treatments include cryosurgery, topical medications, curettage and electrodessication, radiation, excision and Mohs micrographic surgery.

There are several factors that determine the specific treatment for a certain skin cancer such as the type of tumor, location, size, and recurrence.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer.  The skin cancer occurs most commonly on the head, neck, and sun exposed areas.  Skin cancer often begins as a small bump that can look like a pimple but will continue to enlarge, often bleeds, and does not heal completely.  It may be red, flesh-colored, or darker than the surrounding skin.  If left untreated, basal cell carcinoma can be locally destructive and disfiguring.  Squamous cell carcinoma behaves similarly; however, the risk of spreading can be higher depending on the location of the cancer.

The most common association with skin cancer is cumulative exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.  The abnormal growth (cancer) usually originates in the uppermost layers of the skin.  The cancer then grows downward, forming “roots and finger-like projections” under the surface of the skin.

History of having skin cancer increases risk for the development of additional skin cancers.  Although prior sun damage cannot be reversed, precautions can be taken to protect against further skin cancer.  We recommend avoiding direct sunlight during the peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm, and applying sunscreen with SPF of 30 or more every day to exposed areas of the skin.  On a regular basis, you should perform self-skin exams and obtain full-body skin exams by your dermatologist.

Field or global treatments for pre-cancerous lesions are quite effective in reducing future problems.  These prophylactic procedures may be performed with topical chemicals such as 5-Fluorouracil or the newer photodynamic therapies.