Cancer Treatment Options For Shallow And Superficial Skin Cancer
If you have a skin cancer lesion on your body, then it is wise to have it removed as soon as possible. Removal can vary based on the severity of the cancer, its depth, and also its location. In some cases, the cancer may be deemed superficial. This type of skin cancer penetrates the top layers of the skin only and this makes it easier to treat and remove. If you have this type of cancer, then keep reading to learn how it may be treated:
Cryosurgery
If you have ever had a wart removed by a physician, then you may be familiar with cryotherapy. Cryosurgery is when liquid nitrogen is placed on the skin to freeze it. The skin cancer is targeted with the treatment and it may be completed several times until the skin cancer cells have been completed destroyed. When cryotherapy is completed, you will see a blister forming afterward. A scar is likely to form too once the area begins to heal.
Cryosurgery is typically only used if lesions are extremely small and new. Also, this therapy is ideal if a precancerous skin lesion is treated before it turns into cancer.
Excision
Skin cancer is very often cut away from the body, even if it is not deep. The depth of the cancer will determine the type of excision that can take place. There are several options available that include a simple excision where the skin cancer is removed with a very small section around the cancer. This occurs with a scalpel. A shave excision involves a special tool with a thin razor blade where the cancer is physically shaved or peeled away from the body.
Wide excisions may be completed as well. However, they are typically conducted in cases where the cancer has spread to the deeper areas of the tissue. In this case, a wider section of healthy tissue is released from the body. In other words, the perimeter is wider than when a simple excision is completed.
The removal of the cancer with a tool called a curette may take place too. This is not specifically an excision technique, but it is similar. During the procedure, a scoop device is used to remove the skin and then an electrode is placed against the skin. A small bit of electrical current is passed through the electrode. This stops any bleeding that may occur and it also kills leftover cancer cells in the area.
Talk to a local medical center for more information and assistance on skin cancer treatments.