Skin cancer is caused by the formation of malignant cells in skin tissue. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), basal cell carcinoma (cancer arising in the basal cells of the lower epidermis) and squamous cell carcinoma (cancer developing in the squamous cells in the skin's surface) are most common, followed by melanoma (a rare skin cancer that often spreads). Treatment recommendations vary by the type and stage of the skin cancer, its size and an individual's medical history.
Surgical Treatments
According to the Association for International Cancer Research (AICR), early melanomas and all non-melanoma skin cancers are most effectively treated with surgery to remove the cancer and surrounding skin area. Surgery may also be used on secondary melanomas that develop after the cancer has spread. While surgical removal of non-melanomas is almost always completely effective, surgery on melanomas is usually effective if caught early and if enough surrounding tissue is removed to ensure all cancerous cells are gone. According to the NCI, one or more surgical treatments, including a simple excision, shave excision, Mohs micrographic surgery (removal of tumors in steps to ensure minimal skin and complete cancer removal) or electrodesiccation and curettage (cutting away of tumors with a sharp curette and burning edges with an electrode), can be used, depending on the cancer's location, stage and type and on the patient's medical health.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery is a surgical treatment that uses extreme cold from liquid nitrogen to destroy external cancerous tissue. According to the NCI, it can be used to treat early-stage basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, as well as certain precancerous skin growths (actinic keratosis). Compared to other skin cancer surgeries, it is less invasive and requires a shorter recovery time. It tends to cause fewer side effects than other treatments; however, it can lead to skin scarring, swelling, nerve damage (including loss of sensation) and loss of skin pigmentation or hair in the treated area.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy uses a drug and laser light to kill cancerous skin cells. When activated by the laser, the drugs work to kill the abnormal cells. According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society, there is evidence that the procedure can be as effective as cryotherapy, curettage and topical radiation in treating solar keratoses (precancerous growths) on the face or scalp, as well as superficial basal cell carcinomas. The NCI reports that the laser is only able to penetrate about one-third of an inch of tissue, so it is best suited for tumors on or just below the skin.
Treatments for Metastasized Skin Cancer
When skin cancer has metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body, treatment with chemotherapy or radiation is recommended. Depending upon the type and stage of skin cancer, external radiation (using a machine to send radiation from the outside to the inside of the body) or internal radiation (radioactive substances injected or placed near the cancer through wires or catheters) might be used to destroy cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy can also be used to destroy or stop cancer cells from dividing. Non-melanoma and precancerous growths are typically best treated with topical chemotherapy cream. Retinoids can also be taken by mouth or applied topically to treat or prevent non-melanomas. Chemotherapy can also be taken by mouth or injected into a vein, muscle or targeted area of the body (regional chemotherapy).
