The most commonly used treatments for skin cancer are:
Operation. This is possible with all types of skin cancer. The surgeon removes the tumor completely. Subsequently, tissue research follows. If this shows that the tumor has not completely disappeared, you will have to go under the knife again. The surgeon then cuts out the rest of the tumor extra generously. A special operation is the Mohs technique. The surgeon removes the tumor layer by layer. Each layer is examined for cancer cells. This way the wound remains as small as possible. This technique is especially suitable for a tumor in an unfavorable location (for example near your eye) or a tumor where the risk of recurrence is high.
Irradiation . In principle, this is suitable for all tumors. But it is mainly done in advanced basal or squamous cell carcinomas where surgery is not possible. Or with tumors in an unfavorable place, for example your ear or in your face. These are difficult to cut away.
Freezing (cryotherapy). Freezing is especially suitable for small, superficial tumors. The dermatologist freezes the tumor with liquid nitrogen. A blister forms on the tumor and eventually a wet wound. The wound heals within a few weeks. You will be left with a small scar.
Treatment with light (photodynamic therapy). This therapy is especially suitable for superficial basal carcinomas and precursors of skin cancer. You put a cream on your skin that makes the tumor sensitive to light. Then you will receive irradiation with red light. The tumor cells respond to this light and die. A small wound develops. This will heal after one to six weeks.
Burning away (electrocoagulation). The dermatologist burns the tumor, just like a wart.
Local chemotherapy. This is suitable for superficial basal cell carcinomas and the precursors to skin cancer. Local chemotherapy consists of applying a cell-killing and cell-division-inhibiting cream to the tumor. Your skin first breaks, then it heals.
Immunotherapy. This is very similar to topical chemotherapy. You also put a cream on your tumor. Only this cream stimulates your own immune system to clear up the tumor cells. This therapy is suitable for precursors of skin cancer and superficial basal cell carcinomas.
Which treatment is right for you depends on your personal situation. For example:
-your age;
-your general condition;
-the type of skin cancer;
-the size of the tumor;
-the shape of the tumor;
-the site of the tumor;
-whether there are metastases.
Ask three good questions
Always discuss with your attending physician which treatment best suits your situation. Ask him the following three questions:
-What are my options?
-What are the pros and cons of those options?
-What does that mean in my situation?
On the basis of the answers to this, you and your doctor determine which treatment program you will start.