How to Choose a Treatment for Skin Cancer

Choosing a treatment for skin cancer will depend upon which of the three major types of skin cancer you have, malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. It is also important for you to choose a treatment that you can live with, whether it be surgery or radiation therapy. By discussing all of your options with your dermatologist or oncologist, you will be well informed and able to proceed with the right plan for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Oncologist or dermatologist

Learn About the Specific Types of Skin Cancer

1. Consult your doctor immediately if you believe you have identified a common symptom of skin cancer, such as irregularity in a mole or birthmark (melanoma), a thickening patch of skin (basal cell carcinoma) or large reddish patch that is scaly, crusty or ulcerated (squamous cell carcinoma).
2. Obtain a proper diagnosis from an oncologist or dermatologist, and discuss the various treatment options.
3. Decide whether you want to get a second opinion in order to receive as much information about your condition as possible.
4. Ask about participating in a clinical trial, where newer procedures are available that may offer better results.

Select the Right Treatment

5. Choose Mohs Surgery, in which sections of tissue are removed and treated cryogenically so they can be tested for malignancy. Mohs Surgery has a 99 percent success rate with basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and is often used to treat melanoma as well.
6. Discuss an interdisciplinary plan where different types of treatment are involved, such as radiation therapy, cryogenic treatments and plastic surgery, if the skin cancer is at an advanced stage.
7. Adhere strictly to any follow-up guidelines your dermatologist or oncologist has set for you to make sure you have been properly treated.
8. Avoid exposure to ultra-violet rays by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and staying out of direct sunlight. This will help reduce the chance of any reoccurrences of skin cancer.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to fully understand your rights as a consumer. You should participate in all decisions concerning your medical treatment and know all of your options so as to make informed decisions.
• When you choose your treatment plan with your doctor, be prepared for the potential emotional and psychological effects, and ask about medication or counseling that can assist you throughout the process.