Skin Cancer Treatment

In some cases of skin cancer, treatment may consist of removing all of the cancer during the biopsy. If you require additional treatment after the biopsy, skin cancer treatment options may include surgery, topical chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and radiation therapy. Because new skin cancers are more common than having a treated skin cancer spread, it is important to reduce your risk for developing new cancers once your treatment is complete.

 

Skin Cancer Treatment: An Overview

Different types of skin cancer treatment are available for patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer. Some types of skin cancer treatment are standard (the currently used treatment), and some are being tested in clinical trials.
 
Skin cancer treatment options will depend on:
 
  • The type of skin cancer
  • The stage of the disease (see Stages of Skin Cancer)
  • The size and place of the growth
  • The patient's general health and medical history.
 
In most cases, the aim of skin cancer treatment is to remove or destroy the cancer completely. Sometimes doctors can remove all of the cancer during the biopsy. In such cases, no more skin cancer treatment is needed. However, if you do need additional treatment, your doctor will describe your skin cancer treatment options. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, or you may ask for a referral. Specialists who treat skin cancer include:
 
  • Dermatologists
  • Surgeons
  • Radiation oncologists.
 

Skin Cancer Treatment: Getting a Second Opinion

Before you start treatment, you might want a second opinion about the skin cancer diagnosis and treatment plan. Many insurance companies cover a second opinion if you or your doctor requests it.
 
It may take some time and effort to gather medical records and arrange to see another doctor, but usually it is not a problem to take several weeks to get a second opinion. In most cases, the delay will not make skin cancer treatment less effective. It is important to discuss this delay with your doctor because sometimes people with skin cancer need treatment right away.
 
(Skin Cancer Treatment Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD