3 Common Skin Cancer Treatment Options

Fortunately, with today’s technology and knowledge, the outlook of cancer diagnoses is looking more and more positive. There are even better ways to detect cancer than in the past — in fact, women between the ages of 65 and 74 who receive mammography screening every two years show a reduced risk of breast cancer. Treatment options have advanced too, especially for cancers like skin cancer. A variety of skin cancer treatments allow patients to choose which method they think will be best for them. Let’s take a look at some common treatment methods for skin cancer.

Surgery: While there are a few different types of surgery, this method of treatment is often used to remove as much of the cancerous tumor as possible. After the growth is removed, it’s usually sent to a lab for further research. The growth area is looked at carefully to decide if the cancerous cells have spread. If cancerous cells remain after the growth is removed, the procedure may be done again. But if the cancer has spread too far, a physician may recommend other treatment options.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation is commonly used as treatment for a variety of cancers. With this type of skin cancer treatment, there is no need for surgery or anesthesia. But this method requires multiple sessions, depending on the severity of the cancer. Radiation is often used for cancerous tumors that cannot be removed or treated with surgery.

Immunotherapy: This type of cancer treatment is used to target and kill cancerous cells by manipulating the patient’s immune system. Certain drugs are put into the patient’s body to stimulate and trick immune cells into attacking the cancerous cells. While the body naturally attacks cancerous cells, often, it’s not enough to kill all of them. This type of cancer treatment increases the aggressiveness of the attacks. This type of treatment is relatively new and may not be recommended for all patients.

Each case of skin cancer is different, so a treatment that works for one person may not work for another. It’s up to the patient and their doctor to decide which treatment option is right.