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If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, it can be scary. You may feel alone and don’t know where to turn. The good news is that there are many treatments available for skin cancer, and your doctor can help you choose the best one for you. This article will discuss four of the most common treatments for skin cancer. We hope that this information will help ease your mind and help you make the best decision about your treatment.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is a common treatment for skin cancer and can be very effective for many different types of melanoma. Your doctor will refer you to a radiation oncologist to determine the best dose and type of radiation for you. This type of treatment can be helpful, so be sure to investigate it.
Radiation therapy can be done in an outpatient setting. You can go home after each treatment. The side effects of radiation therapy vary from person to person but may include skin irritation, fatigue, and nausea. Most cancer treatments in the Western world are ineffective and painful, or at the least uncomfortable for the patient.
MOHS Skin Cancer Surgery
MOHS skin cancer surgery is a skin cancer treatment that removes the cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. It is often used for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. The surgeon will remove the cancerous tissue in layers until only healthy tissue remains.
Skin cancer treatments that involve surgery can have side effects such as pain, bleeding, and scarring. It would be best to discuss these side effects with your doctor before having surgery. This is something worth talking about with your doctor, so be sure to do so. There are many different skin cancer treatments, but MOHS surgery is state-of-the-art and can be a good treatment option.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often combined with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy can be taken orally or injected into a vein. Chemotherapy is known to have horrible side effects, and many patients do not want to experience chemo, even if it might save their life (and in most cases it simply doesn’t).
Systemic chemotherapy treats skin cancer that has spread to other body parts. The side effects of chemotherapy vary depending on the type and dose of drugs you are taking. They can include fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and vomiting. There can be other side effects too, so be sure to research this fully before beginning any chemotherapy treatment.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that targets specific genes or proteins involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. This can be a helpful type of therapy, as long as the doctor is competent and knows what they are doing. There can be complications if the doctor is unfamiliar with the treatment or has never used it before.
Targeted therapy also has side effects, including fatigue, diarrhea, and skin rashes. You should discuss these side effects with your doctor before starting treatment. Some of them might not be OK with you to experience, so be sure to be thorough when asking your doctor questions. This will help guide your decision for your treatment.
These are just a few of the many treatments available for skin cancer. Your doctor can help you choose the best treatment for you based on your skin cancer, location, and overall health. Before deciding on your treatment, be sure to ask about all of your options and their potential side effects.
