Surgical excision
Surgical excision is one of the most common treatments for skin cancer. The dermatologist removes the cancer along with a small amount of surrounding healthy skin. The tissue is then sent to a lab to confirm whether the cancer has been fully removed. This is usually done in the office with local numbing medicine, and most patients remain awake and comfortable.
Benefits include high cure rates, lab confirmation, and treatment often completed in one visit. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, temporary discomfort, or the need for more treatment when cancer cells remain.
Mohs micrographic surgery
Mohs surgery is a specialized technique often used for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, especially on the face, ears, nose, lips, scalp, hands, or other areas where saving healthy skin is important.
During Mohs surgery, thin layers of tissue are removed and checked under a microscope right away. This continues until no cancer cells are seen. Mohs offers very high cure rates, helps protect healthy tissue, and can provide the best cosmetic result for certain cancers in sensitive areas such as the face. Risks include bleeding, infection, swelling, bruising, scarring, and a longer appointment time.
Curettage and electrodesiccation
Curettage and electrodesiccation may be used for some small, low-risk basal cell and squamous cell cancers. The dermatologist gently scrapes away the cancer with a tool called a curette, then uses a small electrical current to destroy remaining abnormal cells and control bleeding.
This quick office procedure usually does not require stitches. It can be effective for selected superficial cancers. Possible risks include scarring, skin color changes, slower healing, and a slightly higher chance of recurrence compared with some surgical treatments.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy uses extreme cold, usually liquid nitrogen, to destroy abnormal cells. It is often used for precancerous spots called actinic keratoses and may be used for some very superficial skin cancers.
Treatment is fast, does not require an incision, and usually has little downtime. As the area heals, the treated skin may blister, swell, redden, or change color. In some cases, additional treatment may be needed.
Topical medications
Some precancerous spots and superficial skin cancers can be treated with prescription creams applied at home. These medicines may help the immune system attack abnormal cells or directly damage them.
Topical treatments avoid surgery and can treat larger areas of sun-damaged skin, but they require careful use over several weeks. Common side effects include redness, irritation, burning, itching, inflammation, and temporary changes in appearance. They are not appropriate for deeper cancers.
Photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy, or PDT, combines a light-sensitive medication with a special light source. The medication is applied to the skin and absorbed by abnormal cells. When the area is exposed to light, the medication is activated and helps destroy the targeted cells.
PDT is commonly used for actinic keratoses and some superficial skin cancers. It can treat multiple spots at once and often has good cosmetic results with little to no scarring. Side effects may include redness, swelling, burning during treatment, and increased sun sensitivity for several days.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses carefully targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells. It may be recommended when surgery is not a good option or when a cancer is in a difficult-to-treat area. Treatment is usually given over several visits.
Radiation can be helpful for selected patients, but it may cause skin irritation, fatigue, changes in skin texture, or long-term discoloration. Your dermatologist will discuss whether it is appropriate for your situation.
