Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting people today. The good news is that there are various options for treating skin cancer depending on the stage of the cancer. Here are some of the different treatment options for skin cancer and what to expect from each one.
Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for skin cancer. It involves removing the cancerous tissue along with some healthy tissue surrounding it to ensure complete removal. Depending on the size of the cancer, your surgeon may suggest either excision or Mohs surgery. Excision involves removing the cancerous tissue along with some surrounding tissue, while Mohs surgery involves removing the cancer layer by layer until there is no cancer left. In most cases, surgery is performed under local anesthesia, and recovery time is usually quick.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy involves using high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. This treatment is mainly used for treating skin cancers that are still in the early stages or for those who cannot undergo surgery. When undergoing radiation therapy, you will usually visit a radiation therapy center every day for several weeks. The treatment is painless and involves lying under a machine that delivers the radiation. You may experience some side effects, such as skin changes, redness, and skin irritation.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. For skin cancer, it is mainly used for advanced cases that have spread to other parts of the body. The drugs are usually given through an IV or pill form. Chemotherapy may cause side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue. However, your doctor will monitor these side effects and provide you with tips on how to manage them.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a relatively new treatment option for skin cancer. This treatment involves using drugs to boost your immune system's ability to fight cancer cells. Immunotherapy is mainly used for advanced cases of melanoma. It can cause side effects such as fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and skin problems.
Skin cancer can be treated with various treatment options depending on the stage of the cancer. By working closely with your healthcare provider, you can determine which treatment option is best for you. Remember, early detection of skin cancer is crucial. So, if you notice any changes in your skin, please seek medical attention right away. Finally, taking preventive measures such as using sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds, and wearing protective clothing is the key to reducing the risk of developing skin cancer.
Contact your doctor to learn more about skin cancer treatment options.
Share11 December 2023
It is never fun to wake up and notice a brand new skin issue, but unfortunately, that's what my sisters and I were up against a few years ago when we all realized we had the same skin disorder. It was ugly, it was embarrassing, and it wasn't going away, which really made us wonder if we could continue to go on. We began thinking about ways to resolve the problem, and it occurred to us that we should work with a dermatologist. We met with a medical professional who had a lot of experience in the field, and it was amazing to see how great the results were. Check out this blog for more information.