1 – Excisional Surgery

Excisional surgery is the most common treatment for skin cancer, particularly melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. This involves removing the cancerous mole or lesion along with a margin of healthy skin to ensure all cancerous cells are excised. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and stitches are used to close the incision.

2 – Mohs Surgery (click to learn about Mohs Surgery)

For certain types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, Mohs micrographic surgery may be recommended. It is the gold standard for non-melanoma skin cancers, particularly in high-risk areas such as the head and neck, hands, and feet.  This is a precise surgical technique in which the cancerous tissue is removed layer by layer, and each layer is examined under a microscope until no cancerous cells remain. Mohs surgery has a high success rate (~ 99%) for removing skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

3 – Electrodessication and Curettage –

Electrodessication and Curettage (EDC) is a treatment option for certain types of skin cancer, primarily basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It is a minimally invasive procedure that combines two techniques:

Electrodessication: Uses an electric current to destroy cancerous tissue.

Curettage: Involves scraping the tumor with a small, spoon-like instrument (curette) to remove the abnormal cells.

4. Topical Therapies- 

Topical therapies (i.e.- 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod) are non-invasive treatments used for certain types of superficial skin cancer, particularly non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), as well as precancerous conditions such as actinic keratosis. These treatments involve the application of medications directly to the skin, rather than using surgery or other procedures.

Advanced Cancer Therapies:

We coordinate multi-disciplinary care with our colleagues in surgical oncology, oncology, and regional cancer centers to provide the most optimal care for our patients with advanced, aggressive skin cancers. These therapies may include the following:

Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may be used to treat skin cancers that are difficult to remove surgically or in cases where surgery isn’t an option. High-energy rays are directed at the tumor to kill the cancer cells. This treatment is more commonly used for squamous cell carcinoma or when a patient is not a good candidate for surgery.

Immunotherapy
For advanced or metastatic skin cancers, such as melanoma, immunotherapy may be used to stimulate the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Medications such as checkpoint inhibitors help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. This is often used for more aggressive or recurrent skin cancers that do not respond to other treatments.

Chemotherapy
Though not as commonly used for skin cancers, chemotherapy may be considered for advanced melanoma or skin cancers that have spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy drugs are used to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body.