Top Treatments for Skin Cancer
Prompt treatment for skin cancer is important to prevent it from becoming worse and possibly spreading. Erivedge is a great option. It is a medication used to treat Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma.
Erivedge
Erivedge works by targeting the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which is often overactive in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and contributes to cancer cell growth. The medication blocks a protein called Smoothened (SMO), a key part of this pathway. By inhibiting SMO, Erivedge prevents the pathway from being activated, which helps to stop the growth of cancer cells and shrink tumors. This mechanism is particularly effective in treating advanced or metastatic BCC, where other treatments like surgery may not be an option.
Cryotherapy
This procedure involves applying liquid nitrogen to the skin to freeze the cancer cells which allows them to slough off after the treatment.
Surgery
Surgery is often one of the main treatments recommended for skin cancer. Different surgical approaches may be recommended depending on the size of the cancer. Common surgical approaches include:
- Shaved excision: This type of procedure may be recommended in instances of a small cancer growth. It involves shaving off the surface of the skin with a small blade to remove the cancer.
- Excisional surgery: This procedure involves the doctor removing the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue to make sure all of the cancer is removed.
- Mohs surgery: During this type of skin cancer surgery, the physician removes only the cancerous tissue which saves normal surrounding tissue. Taking this approach may reduce scarring or disfigurement. This procedure may be recommended to treat skin cancer that develops near areas such as the lips, ears, and eyelids.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be recommended for certain forms of skin cancer. Topical chemotherapy may be applied directly to the skin. In more advanced cases of skin cancer, chemotherapy may be administered through an IV or pills to treat skin cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.
Target Therapy
Targeted therapy is a form of cancer treatment that usually involves a drug that attacks specific cancer cells. Because the therapy is targeted at specific cells, it usually causes less side effects than chemotherapy.
Targeted therapy may attack certain proteins that allow the cancer cells to grow. The drugs may also block specific chemical signals which allow the cancer cells to divide.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are different types of skin cancer based on the type of cell involved. The form of skin cancer an individual has usually plays a role in treatment. Types of skin cancer include those listed below.
Basal Cell
Basal cell skin cancer develops in the top layer of the skin called the epidermis. It often develops due to excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, basal cell skin cancer is the most common forms of skin cancer.
Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis is a precancerous form of skin cancer. It also typically develops from long-term exposure to UV light. It also forms on the outermost layer of the skin. Individuals who develop actinic keratosis are at a higher risk for developing skin cancer. This precancer can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
After basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma is the second most frequent form of skin cancer. It develops in the squamous cells of the skin in the epidermis.
Malignant Melanoma
This is the most serious form of skin cancer which starts in cells called the melanocytes. It occurs less frequently than the other forms of skin cancer. However, it is more likely to spread to other organs if not treated in its early stage which makes it a more deadly form of skin cancer.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer involves an abnormal growth of cells in the outermost skin layer called the epidermis. In some cases, the cancer can penetrate to deeper layers of the skin. It can also spread to other areas of the body such as the brain.
Skin cancer is extremely common. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, in the United States greater than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer daily.
Identifying and treating skin cancer at its earliest stage is essential for the most positive outcomes. Even less serious forms of skin cancer, such as basal cell, should be treated early.
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