Skin cancer refers to a potentially life-threatening disease in which skin cells grow at a rapid rate. Unfortunately, these cancer cells can spread to the rest of the body if the skin cancer is not caught early. MedlinePlus indicates that signs of skin cancer include moles that are asymmetric with irregular borders. Sometimes, the color of the moles can vary from brown to tan or black. Typically, cancerous moles are greater than 6 mm in diameter. Fortunately, chemotherapy drugs for skin cancer exist.
Mitomycin
Mitomycin, commonly sold as Mutamycin, is a medication that destroys skin cancer cells. MedlinePlus says that mitomycin also treats adenocarcinoma of the pancreas and stomach. Specifically, this medication is an antibiotic that slows cancer growth progression within the body. Some of its common side effects include a poor appetite, nausea, vomiting and thin or brittle hair. A few of mitomycin's serious side effects include shortness of breath, trouble breathing, trouble urinating, a sore throat and easy bleeding or bruising. Its additional effects include swelling of the ankles or feet, a cough, a fever and chills. Notify a doctor when mitomycin leads to these effects. Mitomycin is an intravenous injection given once or as prescribed.
Fluorouracil
Fluorouracil, commonly sold as Adrucil, is another drug that manages skin cancer. Drugs.com says that fluorouracil also treats cancers of the colon, rectum, pancreas, stomach and breast. It is an antimetabolite medication that slows the growth of cancer cells. Fluorouracil's common side effects include heartburn, diarrhea and sores on the mouth or lips. Some of its serious side effects include easy bleeding or bruising, lower back pain, bloody stools, fevers or chills. Call a doctor when fluorouracil leads to these effects. This medication is given intravenously once a day for four days or as prescribed.
Adriamycin
Doxorubicin, commonly sold as Adriamycin, is another cancer drug that slows cancer cell growth throughout the body. Drugs.com says that doxorubicin's less serious side effects include temporary hair loss, red urine, eye irritation or tearing and darkening of the nail beds. Some of its serious side effects include liver damage, an allergic reaction and congestive heart failure. Signs of liver damage include yellowing of the skin or eyes and stomach pain. Signs of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing, swelling of the tongue, lips or face and closing up of the throat. Signs of congestive heart failure include chest pain, trouble breathing and easy bleeding or bruising. Notify a doctor when doxorubicin leads to these effects. Doxorubicin is an injection given for three days or as prescribed.
