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Each type of treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancer has a different goal. Here is a list of main treatments and their goals. They are listed in order from most to least common. You may have more than one of these treatments.
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Surgery is the most common way to treat nonmelanoma skin cancer. Many techniques can be used to remove the cancer. The goal is to completely remove the cancer while trying to limit damage to healthy tissue. The technique your doctor recommends depends on these factors.
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The goal of radiation is to kill cancer cells by directing strong X-rays or other radiation at the site of the tumor. The radiation damages the cancer cells and stops them from growing and dividing. Radiation therapy is a local therapy, meaning that it affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. It is used most often if you are unable to have another treatment because of another medical condition, such as bleeding problems.
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Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. If you have nonmelanoma skin cancer, you or your doctor usually apply chemotherapy as a cream right onto the skin. This is called topical chemotherapy. Your doctor will explain what your treatment plan will be and what you can expect. The length of each treatment period differs depending on the type of medication used.
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