The first type of skin cancer is Basal-cell carcinoma or (BCC). BCC is a skin tumor that comes from the deepest cells of the epidermis. It is normally a local and aggressive cancer that can destroy the structures surrounding its location. When treating BCC, a biopsy is normally done right away. If the cancer is very small, sometimes taking the biopsy will actually remove the entire cancerous portion of the skin. If it has grown a bit larger, then you may need to take another step to remove the cancer.
The second type of skin cancer is the Squamous-cell carcinoma or (SCC). This is a skin tumor that forms close to the skin’s surface. This type of skin cancer can be categorized at different levels, depending on how normal or unusual the tumor cells are. The cells with SCC can spread to surrounding areas and become life threatening if not treated as soon as possible. The last type of skin cancer is Melanoma. Melanoma is a tumor that begins in the lower epidermis’ melanocyte cells. These tumors are categorized according to how deep they penetrate the skin tissue. Unfortunately, Melanoma is the type of skin cancer that can spread locally and to other parts of the body. The cancer can be transferred through the blood and the lymph systems. The good news is that Melanoma can be treated and cured if caught in its beginning stages. Often melanoma is found in moles that may appear unusual.
There are several ways to remove and treat skin cancer, although, different types of cancer and their stages will determine the best method for your situation. Here are some of the methods that may be used.
Cryotherapy destroys the cancerous tissue by freezing it with liquid nitrogen. This can sometimes be used for smaller tumors. Cryotherapy is a procedure that is typically inexpensive and quick but it cannot be used in all cases.
When performing electrodessication and curettage, an electrocautery device is used to destroy the tumor then the area is scraped with a curette. This process may be repeated several times to be sure the tumor is completely removed. Since this procedure leaves a scar, it is best used for tumors less than 6 mm.
Simple excision can be used to remove the cancerous tumor along with a margin of normal skin. This method is generally used for lesions of at least 2cm and for those that are on the cheek, forehead, trunk, and legs. Also this tends to be the quickest and least expensive.
Mohs’ micrographic surgery is a type of skin surgery that must be done by an experienced Mohs’ surgeon. First the tumor and the skin are removed and then studied under a microscope to see if any residual tumor is left. If so, the remaining cells can be excised immediately. Sometimes this process has to be repeated several times making the procedure time quite lengthy. The best part, however, is the recurrence rate is much lower than other methods.
Chemotherapy is the use of special medications to stop the growth of cancerous cells. It keeps the cells from dividing and kills the cancerous cells. Chemotherapy used to treat melanoma can be given as injections or often taken orally. Chemotherapy can have side effects since the medication will not only attack the bad cells but often some of the one in the gastrointestinal track and in the hair follicles. This means that nausea and hair loss are very common in patients during this method of treatment.
Radiation therapy is typically used for patients that are not able to undergo surgery or have tumors that are inoperable. This method is being used less often as a way of removing skin cancer.
Treating skin cancer is absolutely crucial in the beginning stages to prevent the cancers from spreading and causing more harm to your body. If you think you may have skin cancer get to your doctor as soon as possible so you can start the best treatment for your type of cancer.
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