Non-surgical treatments for skin cancers

Cream Treatment

A subset of low grade skin cancers can be treated with “creams” . These creams work by activating the patient’s immune system to kill the cancer cells (ALDARA^R) or by directly killing the cancer cells (EFUDIX^R). Both treatments will create an inflammatory response in the treated area. Normal skin does not react, although there is often a spread of inflammation of 1-3 cm outside the treated area. The inflammation consists of redness, scaling, crusting and occasionally oozing of clear fluid. A little discomfort can be felt but the treated area should not be painful. Length of treatment can be up to 6 weeks for skin cancers and 3-4 weeks for pre-cancers.

The advantages of this treatment are avoidance of further surgery, stitches and a scar particularly in a large diameter but thin l (superficial) lesion and treatment can be performed at home. Cure rates are high but not as high as surgery.

Photodynamic Therapy

Involves application of a cream onto the skin cancer site which selectively penetrates into skin cancer cells vs. normal skin cells. The cream is left intact covered with an opaque dressing for 3 hours. The patient then returns to the office. A red light or laser light is shone on the affected area of skin for approximately 20 minutes. There can be a burning pain associated with this part of the treatment. An inflammatory reaction (redness, crusting, light clear oozing) occurs within the treated area which resolves over 5-7 days. This process is repeated in 2 weeks for skin cancers but is a single session for pre-cancers.

Advantages of this treatment is a shorter downtime and the entire treatment is performed in the office setting.

Your dermatologist will discuss the best options available for your particular form of skin cancer.