Patients diagnosed with skin cancer may have a variety of treatment options. Here are a few of the most common:
Cryosurgery. Cryosurgery is the process of destroying the malignant tissue by applying liquid nitrogen to the area and freezing it. Since there is no cutting or anesthesia involved, cryosurgery may be the treatment choice for patients with bleeding disorders or an aversion to anesthesia. Cryosurgery is not recommended for invasive squamous cell carcinoma.
Mohs micrographic surgery. Boasting the highest success rate of any treatment for squamous cell carcinoma, Mohs micrographic surgery involves removing cancerous cells one tissue layer at a time. The tissue layers are examined one by one, and the surgery continues until the last layer removed proves to be cancer-free.
Radiation. Primarily recommended for tumors that are difficult to treat with surgery or for patients who may not tolerate surgery well, radiation involves directing X-ray beams at the tumor. A series of treatments may be required in order to destroy the tumor completely.