Skin Cancer Treatment

Here’s a breakdown of the treatments recommended for each type of skin cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment

Treatment options for basal cell carcinoma include:

• Surgery: Surgery is used to remove the skin lesion and surrounding tissue. In many cases, no other treatment is needed. Surgical procedures for non-melanoma skin cancer include:
  • Curettage and electrodesiccation: Cancerous tissue is removed with a sharp, spoon-like instrument called a curette. Then, the area is treated with electrodesiccation , an electric current that helps kill remaining cancer cells and control bleeding.
  • Mohs micrographic surgery: Also called complete margin assessment surgery, this technique involves removing the visible skin lesion and small portions of the border where the lesion was located. Each of these sections is studied under a microscope. Portions of the skin will be removed until no cancer cells are detected. Mohs micrographic surgery is commonly used for large tumors, tumors that have returned to the same part of the body and tumors on the head and neck.
  • Wide excision: With this procedure, the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue are removed. The amount of healthy tissue removed depends on the size and type of the tumor. If the wound is too wide to close, the surgeon may use skin from another part of the body (a skin graft) to close the area.
  • Reconstructive surgery: If skin cancer occurs on the face, a reconstructive (plastic) surgeon may be part of the treatment team. Surgery to remove skin cancer on the face can potentially affect how a person looks, feels, eats and talks. Reconstructive surgery can help restore facial appearance and function.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells.
• Local treatment: Local treatments remove precancerous or cancerous lesions in the top layer of the skin. Procedures include:
  • Photodynamic therapy: A procedure in which a light-sensitive substance is injected into the affected area. Then, a laser is used to kill cancer cells that have absorbed the substance.
  • Cryotherapy: A procedure where liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and kill abnormal cells. This is most often used for precancerous skin lesions. After the treatment, the skin will blister and fall off. Sometimes, more than one procedure is needed.
  • Laser therapy: A procedure that uses a narrow beam of high-intensity light to kill precancerous cells on the top layer of the skin.
• Systemic therapies: Systemic therapy uses medication to kill cancer cells. Medication is given through the bloodstream. Types of systemic therapy include:
  • Chemotherapy: A type of drug that prevents cancer cells from growing, replicating or dividing.
  • Targeted therapy: A medication that targets specific proteins or genes in the tumor or in the tissue that allows cancer cells to grow and survive.
  • Immunotherapy: This type of treatment is also called biologic therapy. It helps the body’s immune system naturally fight cancer.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment

Treatment options for squamous cell carcinoma include:

• Surgery: Surgery is used to remove the skin lesion and surrounding tissue. In many cases, no other treatment is needed. Surgical procedures for non-melanoma skin cancer include:
  • Curettage and electrodesiccation: Cancerous tissue is removed with a sharp, spoon-like instrument called a curette. Then, the area is treated with electrodesiccation, an electric current that helps kill remaining cancer cells and control bleeding.
  • Mohs micrographic surgery: Also called complete margin assessment surgery, this technique involves removing the visible skin lesion and small portions of the border where the lesion was located. Each of these sections is studied under a microscope. Portions of the skin will be removed until no cancer cells are detected. Mohs micrographic surgery is commonly used for large tumors, tumors that have returned to the same part of the body and tumors on the head and neck.
  • Wide excision: With this procedure, the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue are removed. The amount of healthy tissue removed depends on the size and type of the tumor. If the wound is too wide to close, the surgeon may use skin from another part of the body (a skin graft) to close the area.
  • Reconstructive surgery: If skin cancer occurs on the face, a reconstructive (plastic) surgeon may be part of the treatment team. Surgery to remove skin cancer on the face can potentially affect how a person looks, feels, eats and talks. Reconstructive surgery can help restore facial appearance and function.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells.
• Local treatment: Local treatments remove precancerous or cancerous lesions in the top layer of the skin. Procedures include:
  • Photodynamic therapy: A procedure in which a light-sensitive substance is injected into the affected area. Then, a laser is used to kill cancer cells that have absorbed the substance.
  • Cryotherapy: A procedure where liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and kill abnormal cells. This is most often used for precancerous skin lesions. After the treatment, the skin will blister and fall off. Sometimes, more than one procedure is needed.
  • Laser therapy: A procedure that uses a narrow beam of high-intensity light to kill precancerous cells on the top layer of the skin.
• Systemic therapies: Systemic therapy uses medication to kill cancer cells. Medication is given through the bloodstream. Types of systemic therapy include:
  • Chemotherapy: A type of drug that prevents cancer cells from growing, replicating or dividing.
  • Targeted therapy: A medication that targets specific proteins or genes in the tumor or in the tissue that allows cancer cells to grow and survive.
  • Immunotherapy: This type of treatment is also called biologic therapy. It helps the body’s immune system naturally fight cancer.

Melanoma Treatment

Treatment options for melanoma include:

• Surgery: Surgery is used to remove the skin lesion and surrounding tissue.
• Wide excision: With this procedure, the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue are removed. The amount of healthy tissue removed depends on the size and type of the tumor. If the wound is too wide to close, the surgeon may use skin from another part of the body (a skin graft) to close the area.
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy: This procedure is used to determine if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. A sentinel lymph node is the first place cancer cells are likely to spread. A person’s sentinel lymph node will depend on where the cancerous lesion was detected. During the procedure, a dye and radioactive substance are injected near the cancer site. The substance can show where the sentinel lymph node is located. The surgeon will then remove one or more of these lymph nodes. The lymph nodes will be sent to a pathologist to determine if they contain cancer cells. If the lymph nodes are cancer-free, no additional surgery is required. If the lymph nodes contain cancer cells, this means the cancer has spread and further treatment is needed.
• Lymph node dissection: A procedure to remove one or more lymph nodes.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation may be used after surgery to prevent cancer recurrence or to relieve symptoms of invasive melanoma, such as headaches or bone pain.
• Systemic therapies: Systemic therapy uses medication to kill cancer cells. Medication is given through the bloodstream. Types of systemic therapy include:
  • Chemotherapy: A type of drug that prevents cancer cells from growing, replicating or dividing.
  • Targeted therapy: A medication that targets specific proteins or genes in the tumor or in the tissue that allows cancer cells to grow and survive.
  • Immunotherapy: This type of treatment is also called biologic therapy. It helps the body’s immune system naturally fight cancer.

Merkel Cell Cancer Treatment

Treatment options for basal cell carcinoma include:

• Surgery: Surgery is used to remove the skin lesion and surrounding tissue. In many cases, no other treatment is needed. Surgical procedures for non-melanoma skin cancer include:
  • Curettage and electrodesiccation: Cancerous tissue is removed with a sharp, spoon-like instrument called a curette. Then, the area is treated with electrodesiccation , an electric current that helps kill remaining cancer cells and control bleeding.
  • Mohs micrographic surgery: Also called complete margin assessment surgery, this technique involves removing the visible skin lesion and small portions of the border where the lesion was located. Each of these sections is studied under a microscope. Portions of the skin will be removed until no cancer cells are detected. Mohs micrographic surgery is commonly used for large tumors, tumors that have returned to the same part of the body and tumors on the head and neck.
  • Wide excision: With this procedure, the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue are removed. The amount of healthy tissue removed depends on the size and type of the tumor. If the wound is too wide to close, the surgeon may use skin from another part of the body (a skin graft) to close the area.
  • Reconstructive surgery: If skin cancer occurs on the face, a reconstructive (plastic) surgeon may be part of the treatment team. Surgery to remove skin cancer on the face can potentially affect how a person looks, feels, eats and talks. Reconstructive surgery can help restore facial appearance and function.
  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy: This procedure is often used to treat Merkel cell cancer and helps determine if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. A sentinel lymph node is the first place cancer cells are likely to spread. A person’s sentinel lymph node will depend on where the cancerous lesion was detected. During the procedure, a dye and radioactive substance are injected near the cancer site. The substance can show where the sentinel lymph node is located. The surgeon will then remove one or more of these lymph nodes. The lymph nodes will be sent to a pathologist to determine if they contain cancer cells. If the lymph nodes are cancer-free, no additional surgery is required. If the lymph nodes contain cancer cells, this means the cancer has spread and further treatment is needed.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. For stage I or II Merkel cell cancer, radiation is typically recommended after surgery.
• Local treatment: Local treatments remove precancerous or cancerous lesions in the top layer of the skin. Procedures include:
  • Photodynamic therapy: A procedure in which a light-sensitive substance is injected into the affected area. Then, a laser is used to kill cancer cells that have absorbed the substance.
  • Cryotherapy: A procedure where liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and kill abnormal cells. This is most often used for precancerous skin lesions. After the treatment, the skin will blister and fall off. Sometimes, more than one procedure is needed.
  • Laser therapy: A procedure that uses a narrow beam of high-intensity light to kill precancerous cells on the top layer of the skin.
• Systemic therapies: Systemic therapy uses medication to kill cancer cells. Medication is given through the bloodstream. Types of systemic therapy include:
  • Chemotherapy: A type of drug that prevents cancer cells from growing, replicating or dividing.
  • Targeted therapy: A medication that targets specific proteins or genes in the tumor or in the tissue that allows cancer cells to grow and survive.
  • Immunotherapy: This type of treatment is also called biologic therapy. It helps the body’s immune system naturally fight cancer.

Kaposi Sarcoma Treatment

Treatment for Kaposi sarcoma includes:

• Antiretroviral treatment: This treatment for HIV/AIDS is typically used before other forms of treatment.
• Surgery: Surgery may be used to remove the tumor and some nearby healthy tissue. The most common surgical options are:
  • Curettage and electrodesiccation: Cancerous tissue is removed with a sharp, spoon-like instrument called a curette. Then, the area is treated with electrodesiccation , an electric current that helps kill remaining cancer cells and control bleeding.
  • Cryosurgery: This procedure uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill cancer cells, causing the skin to blister and shed.
• Photodynamic therapy: A procedure in which a light-sensitive substance is injected into the affected area. Then, a laser is used to kill cancer cells that have absorbed the substance.
• Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells.
• Systemic therapies: Systemic therapy uses medication to kill cancer cells. Medication is given through the bloodstream. Types of systemic therapy include:
  • Chemotherapy: A type of drug that prevents cancer cells from growing, replicating or dividing.
  • Targeted therapy: A medication that targets specific proteins or genes in the cancer or the tissue that allows cancer cells to grow and survive. Targeted therapy for Kaposi sarcoma includes kinase inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs.
  • Immunotherapy: This type of treatment is also called biologic therapy. It helps the body’s immune system naturally fight cancer.
• Topical medications: Sometimes, skin creams are prescribed to shrink or prevent the growth of skin lesions. While they don’t completely stop the cancer from growing, they can improve the skin’s appearance.

Skin or Cutaneous Lymphoma Treatment

Treatments for skin or cutaneous include:

• Surgery: Surgery to biopsy a lesion, tissue or lymph node to make a diagnosis.
• Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells.
• Phototherapy: Phototherapy uses ultraviolet (UV) light to destroy cancer cells in the skin. It’s helpful for people with thinner skin lymphomas. UVA light treatment is combined with drugs called psoralens, which are activated by the UVA light and destroy cancer cells. UVB treatment doesn’t require extra medications.
• Topical medications: Sometimes, skin creams are prescribed to shrink or prevent the growth of skin lesions. These medications include topical chemotherapy drugs, topical immune therapy, topical retinoids and topical corticosteroids.
• Photopheresis: Also called extracorporeal photopheresis, this treatment is used for T-cell skin lymphomas. The process is similar to giving blood, except the blood goes into a machine that separates out the lymphocytes. The lymphocytes are treated with psoralen, a drug that’s sensitive to UV light. Then, the lymphocytes are mixed back into the patient’s blood and infused back into the patient.
• Chemotherapy: A type of drug that prevents cancer cells from growing, replicating or dividing.
• Biologic and targeted therapies: These medications target certain parts of lymphoma cells or help boost the body’s immune system.
• Systemic retinoids: Retinoids are related to vitamin A and are used to treat mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome in particular.
• High-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant: This treatment may be recommended when other therapies don’t work. Typically, physicians can’t use high doses of chemotherapy because it causes severe bone marrow damage. But with a bone marrow transplant (also called a stem cell transplant), the body may be able to tolerate higher doses of chemotherapy.

Actinic Keratosis (Precancerous Skin Lesion) Treatment

Treatments for actinic keratosis (precancerous skin lesions) include:

• Surgical procedures:
  • Curettage and electrodesiccation: Cancerous tissue is removed with a sharp, spoon-like instrument called a curette. Then, the area is treated with electrodesiccation , an electric current that helps kill remaining cancer cells and control bleeding.
  • Cryosurgery: This procedure uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill cancer cells, causing the skin the blister and shed.
  • Laser therapy: A procedure that uses a narrow beam of high-intensity light to kill precancerous cells on the top layer of the skin.
  • Chemical peel: A procedure in which a chemical is applied to the face that causes the top skin layers to peel off. New skin will regrow within a few weeks.
• Topical treatments: Creams or gels may be recommended to treat areas with low risk of scarring.
• Photodynamic therapy: This treatment is used for widespread AK on the scalp and face. During the procedure, a light-sensitizing topical agent is applied to the skin. Then, the treated area is exposed to red or blue light, which destroys cancer cells.
• Combination therapies. Sometimes, treatments may be combined:
  • Photodynamic therapy and cryosurgery
  • Photodynamic therapy and topical treatments
  • Topical treatments and cryosurgery