There are many different kinds of skin cancer treatments. These include surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Chemotherapy involves using drugs to destroy the cancer cells, and topical medications are applied directly to the affected area. Photodynamic therapy destroys the cancer cells with light or chemicals. Biological therapies, on the other hand, use the body’s immune system to attack the cancer cells. Some of these treatments are more effective than others, and the choices are usually based on the patient’s health and the stage of the disease.
When skin cancer cannot be removed through surgery, radiation therapy is used. This type of treatment kills cancer cells by targeting specific gene changes in normal cells. However, it can have side effects. In addition, it’s important to note that even the most advanced treatments don’t guarantee a cure for skin cancer. About 20% of patients experience a recurrence within two years of diagnosis. Therefore, radiotherapy is an important part of skin cancer treatment.
In addition to surgery, the most common treatment for skin cancer is a topical medication known as Aldara. It is an immunotherapy drug that works by stimulating the patient’s immune system. It is generally preferred to surgery, but may be prescribed for some people. The application of imiquimod cream is also recommended for some patients. After five to six weeks, the patient can expect the results of the biopsy to be positive. It is important to note, however, that the cream can cause scarring.