A patient’s guide to treatment of different types of skin cancers

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and it continues to be a growing problem. Different types of skin cancer have been recognized. The specialists for cancer treatment at Philadelphia can diagnose and treat all forms of the disease and help you lead a normal and active life.

Treatment of non-melanoma type of skin cancers

Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are the two types of non-melanoma skin cancer. Both the types are treated using similar techniques. Depending on the size, location and depth of the tumor, age, general health, and medical history, the doctors for cancer treatment Philadelphia will choose the most appropriate type of treatment for an individual.

Excisional surgery: After numbing the area, the surgeon removes the entire tumor along with some nearby tissue. The surgical site is then stitched up. The excised tumor is sent to the laboratory for a microscopic analysis to check if all cancer cells have been removed.

Radiation: During this treatment, x ray beams directed at the tumor are used to kill the cancer cells. The procedure may have to be repeated several times over a period of few weeks. Radiation treatment is usually prescribed for the elderly and individuals with poor health.

Cryosurgery: This procedure involves freezing and destroying the cancer cells using liquid nitrogen. Cryosurgery is usually the choice of treatment for those with intolerance to anesthesia or bleeding disorders. 

Photodynamic therapy (PDT): In PDT, a photo sensitive agent is applied to the tumor and after a specific period, the medicated area is activated using a strong light. This therapy selectively destroys the cancer cells and spares the surrounding tissue.

Curettage and electrodessication: Under local anesthesia, the surgeon for cancer treatment Philadelphia scraps off the cancer cells using a sharp object called the curette. An electrocautery needle that produces heat is then used to destroy residual tumor and seal off any bleeding.

Laser surgery: The outer layer and varying amount of underlying skin are destroyed using an erbium YAG laser or a carbon dioxide laser. Laser treatments are generally preferred when other types of treatments are unsuccessful.

Mohs micrographic surgery: The surgeon first removes a small portion of the tumor and a thin layer of surrounding skin and thoroughly examines it under a microscope. If tumor cells are present in the peripheries or depths of the surrounding tissue, the procedure is repeated over until all the last layer of tissue shows no tumor cells.

Topical medications: Ointments such as 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and Imiquimod are gently rubbed into the tumor over a period of several weeks.

Treatment of Melanoma

Melanoma is a more aggressive form of skin cancer. Once a patient has been diagnosed with melanoma, tests are performed to find out if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The following are the four standard treatment options at the centers for cancer treatment Philadelphia.

Surgery: Surgery is often the first option to remove all stages of melanoma.

Radiation therapy: High energy radiations such as x rays are used to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. 

Chemotherapy: The drugs used in chemotherapy stop the growth of tumor cells by either stopping them from dividing or killing them.

Biologic therapy: Biologic therapy boosts, directs, and restores the body’s natural immune system to help fight against cancer.

With early detection and timely treatment, almost all types of skin cancer can be cured. The team of specialists at cancer treatment Philadelphia offers you the best treatment and care to help you lead a normal and active life.