Doctronic Statamic

Understanding and Treating Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide

If you've been diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, it's important to know that most cases are curable, especially when detected and treated early. There are several treatment options available, depending on the type and extent of your skin cancer. In this article, we'll explore the various treatments and help you understand what to expect during and after your treatment.

Localized Treatments for Early-Stage Skin Cancer

For precancerous lesions or very small skin cancers located at the top layer of your skin, treatment can be relatively simple. These localized treatments don't require incisions or strain on other parts of your body:

  • Gels and creams: Topical chemotherapy drugs or immune response modifiers can be applied directly to the affected area. Treatment duration varies from 2 days to 3 months, and side effects may include mild to severe skin irritation.

  • Liquid nitrogen: Your doctor may freeze off the cancerous skin tumor, which kills the cancerous cells. Your skin will blister and crust up, but will heal leaving only a scar.

Surgical Options for Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers

Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are the two most common types of non-melanoma skin cancer. Surgery is often the primary treatment for these cancers:

  • Excision: Your doctor will remove the cancer along with a margin of cancer-free skin using a blade. This quick procedure often requires stitches and will leave a scar.

  • Electrodessication and curettage: After removing the cancerous cells with a scoop-shaped tool called a curette, your doctor will use an electric needle to probe the surrounding skin to kill any remaining cancer cells. This process may be repeated a few times during your visit, and will likely result in a scar.

  • Mohs surgery: This precise surgical technique involves removing thin layers of skin and examining them under a microscope for cancerous cells. The process is repeated until no more cancer cells are detected. Mohs surgery is commonly used for cancers on the face.

Radiation Therapy for Large or Hard-to-Treat Skin Cancers

If your skin cancer is too large for surgery or located in a difficult-to-treat area, such as the eyelids or tip of the nose, radiation therapy may be recommended. Radiation uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells. It can also be used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells or if your cancer has spread to other parts of your body, such as the lymph nodes.

External radiation, usually in the form of electron beam radiation, is focused on the cancerous tumor to destroy or stop its growth while minimizing damage to the rest of your body. Treatment is painless and relatively quick, but may require several sessions. Side effects can include skin irritation, changes in skin color and texture, hair loss at the treatment site, and damage to saliva-making glands and teeth when treating nearby areas.

Photodynamic Therapy for Certain Types of Skin Cancer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be an option for treating actinic keratosis (a type of precancer), superficial basal cell cancer, or Bowen's disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ). During PDT, your doctor applies a light-sensitive drug cream to your skin and allows it to absorb for several hours. When exposed to a special light, the drug becomes active and destroys the cancer cells. PDT is mainly used for cancers covering a large skin area or clustered in one location, and it typically does not leave a scar or cause long-term side effects.

Protecting Your Skin After Treatment

After your treatment is complete and the affected area has healed, it's crucial to protect your skin. Many treatments can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. To minimize your risk of future skin cancers:

  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin daily, and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors or near windows.

  • Cover up with protective clothing, such as hats and long sleeves.

  • Avoid sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

  • Perform regular skin self-exams and visit your doctor for twice-yearly check-ups.

Remember, having had skin cancer once increases your risk of developing it again. By taking proactive steps to protect your skin and detect any new cancers early, you can significantly improve your chances of successful treatment and long-term health.

For more information on non-melanoma skin cancer, visit:

Related Articles