A diagnosis of skin cancer can be terrifying, so it’s crucial to be familiar with all available therapeutic options in order to make informed decisions when managing this illness. Early detection increases survival rates significantly – however there isn’t one “right” treatment that works best; instead different factors like size, depth, location of tumor as well as overall health needs play into what works for each individual; here at Wallderm we take great pride in offering personalized, cutting-edge care at every step along your skin cancer journey – giving our patients peace of mind during this journey! At Wallderm we specialize in offering personalized, cutting edge care ensuring we meet each step along the journey to ensure successful resolution!
Types and Risk Factors Affecting Treatment
There are three primary forms of skin cancer:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Is one of the most frequently diagnosed skin cancers. Symptoms often appear as either pearly or waxy humps on skin that looks pearly-waxed; or as flat patches which resemble flesh coloration.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
More commonly referred to as SCC, is one of the two most frequent forms of skin cancer and most frequently appears as either a flat, scaly area or firm red lump on its victim’s skin.
Melanoma
Is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer and may begin as either an existing mole or as new, unfamiliar growths.
Considerations when making treatment decisions include factors like cancer type and size/position/depth. Age and health may also play a factor as skin lesions become visible over time.
Non-Surgical Options for Skin Cancer
There are various non-invasive skin cancer treatment options, which may prove highly successful for some types of early skin cancer: non-surgical therapies may work effectively in treating early skin cancer cases that only involve surface cells:
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) or Imiquimod
Are applied directly onto the skin for treating superficial BCC, Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ (also referred to as Bowen’s Disease), or extensive actinic keratoses that could become malignancies; they also kill cells which have cancerous potential or could develop into cancer in due course. These topical creams eliminate cells which have cancerous potential or threaten it further by attacking cancerous or premalignancy-generating precursors directly by killing them off completely!
Cryotherapy (Freezing)
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill cancer cells near the surface of skin, making this ideal for early stage lesions that have not spread deep beneath. Furthermore, this procedure may even be completed within your office environment!
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
PDT involves applying a specific solution to the skin to make abnormal cells more responsive to light; then using a light beam on that spot, PDT turns on and kills cancerous cells on contact – often actinic keratoses and superficial BCCs can benefit. This treatment method works well against actinic keratoses as well.
Radiation therapy employs high-energy beams to directly attack cancer cells. It may be appropriate for individuals who have hard-to-reach tumors (like under the nose or eyelids), large tumors or those who cannot undergo surgery due to other health concerns.
Surgery Remains One of the Best Solutions to Treat Skin Cancer and Has Proved Highly Successful Against Various Forms
Excisional Surgery
Is a routine treatment used for cancerous tumors of BCCs and SCCs to remove them entirely as well as some surrounding healthy skin tissue, and then send to a lab to ensure all cancer cells have been eliminated from them. With this technique most BCCs and SCCs may be completely eradicated from patients’ lives.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Is the ideal method of treatment for BCCs and SCCs on areas that matter cosmetically such as the face. Through Mohs surgery, malignant tissue is carefully excised layer by layer and immediately examined under a microscope to make sure there are no cancer cells left – leading to excellent aesthetic outcomes and high cure rates with maximum cure rates for patients who undergo Mohs surgery at Wallderm by highly experienced Mohs surgeons who have completed fellowship programs.
Curettage and Electrodesiccation (C&D)
To apply this treatment method, first the curette scrapes away malignant tissue before an electric needle kills any remaining cancerous cells and stems bleeding. C & D tends to work best with smaller and less serious BCCs/SCCs.
Melanoma Treatment
Regimens may extend beyond simply surgical removal: Melanoma patients or more aggressive malignant skin cancer patients often undergo more involved therapies beyond removal alone:
Immunotherapy
These drugs help the immune system detect and kill cancerous cells within your body, making a dramatic impactful difference for advanced melanomas as well as multiple SCC cases.
Targeted Therapy
These drugs work by inhibiting cancer cell growth by targeting specific genes or proteins present within them; targeted therapy treatments are especially useful when applied to melanomas with genetic mutations.
Chemotherapy
Although less often recommended as an early stage skin cancer treatment option, chemotherapy could still be considered for advanced cancer cases that spread extensively or rapidly.
Finding the Right Treatment
There isn’t one “right” treatment strategy that works for every skin cancer patient. At Wallderm, our board-certified dermatologists conduct comprehensive evaluations that take all pertinent criteria into consideration before we present all available treatment strategies that could potentially work. After discussing each possibility and its associated pros/cons/recovery times/cosmetic outcomes – our goal is to assist you in selecting an approach which gives the highest chance of improvement, fits in seamlessly with your life style needs, and meets every expectation you might encounter along the way!
Wallderm: Your Skin Cancer Care Partner
At Wallderm, our aim is to offer comprehensive yet compassionate skin cancer care services. Our expert dermatologists employ state-of-the-art technologies and treatment procedures; whether your treatment includes sophisticated Mohs surgery or non-invasive therapies like Botox treatments – you’re assured expert treatment no matter which option is chosen! Not only are we committed to treating cancer as effectively as possible; our aim also involves helping individuals maintain regular checks to detect early warning signs.
Do not wait! Call Wallderm now for an early detection consultation appointment; early identification and skilled treatment are key factors for success.
This post was written by a professional at Wall Dermatology. Wall Dermatology, led by Dr. Weston Wall, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, is a premier dermatology practice dedicated to excellence in skin care. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Dr. Wall is deeply committed to serving his community with expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services. Specializing in skin cancer removal Clearwater FL, detection, and treatment, Wall Dermatology combines cutting-edge techniques with a compassionate, patient-first approach. With decades of experience, Dr. Wall and his team prioritize personalized care, ensuring each patient feels valued and confident in their skin health. Trust Wall Dermatology for expert, compassionate, and comprehensive dermatologic care.