Receiving a skin cancer diagnosis may bring many questions about treatment options. Understanding the available treatments helps you make informed decisions about your care. Each treatment method offers different benefits depending on your specific situation, cancer type, and location. Here are five primary skin cancer treatment options:
What Is Curettage Surgery?
Surgeons use curettage and electrodesiccation to remove skin cancer. The procedure starts with your doctor using a curette, a sharp, spoon-shaped instrument that scrapes away the cancerous tissue from your skin. Next, electrodesiccation is performed, where your doctor applies an electric current to the area.
This destroys any remaining cancer cells and helps control bleeding. The process may be repeated several times during one session. This treatment is effective for small, superficial skin cancers, particularly basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas in low-risk areas. The entire procedure is usually done in your doctor’s office using local anesthesia.
What’s a Surgical Excision?
Surgical excision is a standard procedure used to remove skin cancer. During the procedure, your surgeon uses a scalpel to cut around the tumor and remove it, along with some surrounding healthy skin. This helps ensure all cancerous cells are removed.
After the surgery, the removed tissue is sent to a laboratory for examination. A pathologist checks the edges of the tissue to confirm that the cancer has been entirely excised. If cancer cells are found at the edges, additional surgery might be necessary. This method is effective for many types of cancer, especially those with well-defined borders. The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting with local anesthesia, allowing you to go home the same day.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a standard treatment for removing skin cancer. This technique removes cancer layer by layer while immediately examining each layer under a microscope. The surgeon continues the process until no cancer cells remain.
The procedure begins by removing the visible tumor. Your surgeon will take a thin layer of surrounding tissue. The surgeon freezes the specimen, sections it, and examines it under a microscope. If cancer cells are found, the surgeon removes another layer from that specific area. The surgeon repeats this process until the margins are clear. The immediate examination enables real-time adjustments to the surgical approach. Most cases require only one or two stages, but some may need more.
Does Cryotherapy Treatment Work?
Cryotherapy destroys cancer cells using extreme cold. Liquid nitrogen, applied directly to the cancer, freezes the tissue. The frozen cells die and eventually slough off as the skin heals. Your doctor applies liquid nitrogen using a spray device or a cotton swab. The treatment lasts only a few minutes. You may experience intense cold and some discomfort during application.
What Is Photodynamic Therapy?
Photodynamic therapy combines light-sensitive medication with specific wavelengths of light. First, your doctor applies a topical medication to the treatment area. This medication makes cancer cells more sensitive to light. After application, you wait for the drug to be absorbed into the cancer cells. The incubation period typically lasts between one and three hours. During this time, avoid exposure to bright light.
Get Help for Skin Cancer
Choosing the right skin cancer treatment depends on many factors specific to your situation. Your doctor will assess the type, size, location, and overall health of the cancer. Together, you’ll select the most appropriate treatment approach. Each treatment option offers unique benefits and limitations. Some prioritize complete cancer removal, while others focus on preserving cosmetic appearance. Your personal preferences and lifestyle also influence the decision. Schedule a consultation with a dermatologist or oncologist to discuss your options.
