How to Find the Right Skin Cancer Treatment for You

March 06, 2022, adamdeloach

There are many different types of skin cancer. The stage of the cancer determines which treatments are available for you. While it might seem complicated, find out in this article how to make the right decision for your personal situation!

The Different Types of Skin Cancers
Skin cancers are the most common cancer in the United States. There are a total of over 3 million cases of skin cancer in the United States each year. Skin cancers can be broken down into four main types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinomas can also be broken up into solar keratoses and actinic keratoses.

The Stage of Cancer
There are many different stages of skin cancer. These can form from the lightest stage of melanoma to the most advanced stage, squamous cell carcinoma. Other challenges include finding a dermatologist who specializes in cutaneous oncology and understanding the treatment history.

How to Find the Right Treatment for You
When it comes to finding the right treatment for you, there are certain questions that need to be asked. The first question is whether you have a primary cancer or whether you have precancerous lesions. Another key question is what type of skin cancer do you have and what treatments are available for it. If the tumor is one that responds well to radiation therapy, then that would be your best option.

Things to Consider when Choosing a Skin Cancer Treatment
It's important to find a skin cancer treatment that is right for you. Here are some important things to consider when choosing a treatment:

Common Treatments
There are three common treatments for skin cancer. The most common is a topical cream or ointment that has both an antiviral and an antipruritic component. Another treatment option, if possible, is to remove the tumor by surgery. A third option worth considering is radiation therapy. As many as 30 percent of patients may need additional medical care, so it's important to talk with your doctor about any unusual symptoms you're experiencing.

What Happens During a Skin Cancer Procedure?
Skin cancer treatments include removal of the skin cancer, application of a topical treatment, or permanent tattooing. The doctor will look for cancer cells and treat any that are found. The doctor will remove any cancers and apply a topical treatment that is usually acid or laser. If your skin cancer is large in size, the doctor may choose to remove too much skin and use the tissue for transplantation to improve the condition of another patient. If your cancer is small in size, you might be given a permanent tattoo that contains skin pigments to treat the problem area.

Risks and Side Effects of Taking a Certain Skin Cancer Treatment: What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure
Most patients who have skin cancer will be treated with radiation therapy. This is recommended because it is a safe, effective and quick treatment for most types of skin cancer. Patients will likely stay in the hospital for about six to eight hours before returning home. Radiation therapy can cause many side effects, ranging from minor to severe. Some of these side effects may last a long time or even be permanent.

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