Like all forms of cancer, learning that you have skin cancer can feel scary. Thankfully, treatments are available for all types, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. And the sooner you get the care you need, the more curable skin cancer becomes. In fact, even melanoma, the most serious form, carries a 99% five-year survival rate with early detection.
Regardless of the type and stage of your skin cancer, our team at Dermatology Associates of Central NJ, is here to help. We provide skin cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention support in Old Bridge, Union, and Freehold, New Jersey.
Here, we explore some of the most common and effective skin cancer treatments:
Your skin cancer treatment plan will vary, depending on factors such as the size and location of the growth you have. And all treatments aim to do away with abnormal growth of skin cells skin cancer creates. In most cases, skin cancer treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis.
Techniques we provide at Dermatology Associates of Central NJ include:
Also called excision surgery, this procedure involves the cutting away of cancerous tissue, as well as a small margin of healthy surrounding skin. Depending on the specifics of your skin cancer, your provider might recommend a wide excision that removes more surrounding tissue.
Regardless of the size, a local anesthetic keeps the area numb during excision. From there, large incisions tend to require stitches.
During cryosurgery, your provider uses liquid nitrogen to freeze away cancerous cells once the area is numbed with local anesthesia. As the tissue thaws, the destroyed tissue sloughs off. This treatment is also often used to do away with precancerous skin growths, known as keratoses, to prevent cancer in the first place.
Chemotherapy uses medications to kill skin cancer cells. If your cancer only impacts the top layer of your skin, chemotherapy may be provided through a topical cream or lotion. For skin cancer that has spread to other parts of your body, your provider may recommend oral chemotherapy pills or injections.
Mohs surgery is a special procedure that removes cancerous growths incrementally until the cells are completely gone. This process leads to a reduced risk of skin cancer recurrence and doesn’t harm surrounding skin. Performed under general anesthetic, you can return home after your treatment. Mohs surgery tends to work best for skin cancer impacting your face, hands, feet, or genitals.
To learn more about skin cancer or get the treatment or preventive care you need, call Dermatology Associates of Central NJ, or schedule an appointment through our website.
