Choosing a Treatment Approach
Skin cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer and the findings from the evaluation and biopsy. Available approaches include removing cancerous tissue, treating it one layer at a time, freezing it, or using selected non-surgical treatments.
Surgical Treatment Options
- Excisional surgery: Removes cancerous tissue.
- Mohs micrographic surgery: Removes cancerous skin one layer at a time, with each layer examined during the procedure.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
- Image-guided superficial radiation therapy: A non-surgical treatment option also called IG-SRT.
- Curettage and electrodessication
- Topical therapies: Uses medication applied to the skin when the diagnosis and treatment plan support that approach.
Cryosurgery may also be used to freeze cancerous tissue. A dermatologist can discuss which options apply to the type of skin cancer being treated.
