Many techniques provide treatment of skin cancers. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas treatments usually occur with a local anesthetic in the dermatologist's office. Sometimes a simple biopsy can remove a tiny cancer growth, while more aggressive treatments become necessary for a deadly cancer like melanoma.
Freezing
Early cancers or precancerous growths, such as dark lesions called actinic keratoses, are usually taken off with liquid nitrogen, the Mayo Clinic explains. The doctor freezes the growth so the dead tissue eventually dries up and falls off. Sometimes a repeat treatment proves necessary.
Excision
This method works for all skin cancers in many cases, because it removes all cancerous and surrounding tissues. The removal of the extra tissue occurs to make sure all the cancer is removed. Though often a simple procedure, it sometimes causes scarring in some cases. People concerned about the facial area may consider skin reconstruction, the Mayo Clinic notes.
Mohs Surgery
This microsurgical technique also treats all skin cancers. Doctors remove tumors in thin layers, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The layers of tissue are examined each time for evidence of cancer cells. Layers are removed until no signs of cancer cell appear. Mohs surgery usages include removing some melanomas that appear on the head and neck area and have not spread.
Electrodesiccation
The procedure is often used for basal cell carcinomas that are small and thin. The tissue is cut away and an electric needle destroys any remaining cancer cells. The method may leave small, white scars.
Laser Surgery
A laser beam removes surface skin cancers or precancerous growths. This takes off the growth with minimal scarring, bleeding and swelling, the Mayo Clinic says.
Radiation Therapy
High-energy radiation removes basal and squamous cell carcinomas. It helps kill the cancer cells and stop them from growing. Radiation is applied from a machine or by inserting radioactive substances through needles or catheters into the cancer. The different techniques depend on the stage of the cancer, the NCI says.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a drug taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle. The drug enters the bloodstream to kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing. Chemotherapy is often recommended prior to and after surgery to ensure the cancer cells are destroyed, the Mayo Clinic says. Chemotherapy is often applied with creams or lotions for patients with basal and squamous cell carcinomas.
