If you are diagnosed with aggressive skin cancer that has spread beyond the superficial surface of your skin, you are going to need to get some aggressive treatment. This is the only way your cancer will be slowed down effectively. If you are feeling apprehensive about getting this treatment, then you might want to know a little bit more about it. Knowing as much as you can about the treatment options that are available to treat aggressive forms of skin cancer will help you understand what you are about to go through.
Radiation Therapy
When skin cancer turns up in areas that are difficult to reach surgically, or skin cancer surgery has not completely destroyed cancer cells, radiation therapy is often used. Radiation therapy is done by directing low-energy X-rays towards the tumor. This effectively destroys the cancer cells. The treatment will be done in several rounds and it can take a few months to be finished. The length of time that it takes to finish the treatment is dependent on the type of cancer that you have. Radiation therapy is often used along with other forms of treatments for skin cancer.
Immunotherapies
Immunotherapies are another treatment option that doctors may look into to curb your skin cancer. Immunotherapies are administered orally or intravenously. They help boost your immune system so that you can fight off cancer. Some of these medications will either stop or slow down your body's production of cancer cells. These medications are often used in conjunction with surgical cancer treatments. They are usually reserved for the treatment of advanced cancers. If you have melanoma that has spread beyond your skin, your doctor may recommend this treatment.
Early Detection Is Key
Early detection is one of the most important factors in determining how successful your treatment will be. Even after you have finished your treatment, you should check your skin every month, and then after that, you should do an annual examination at your doctor's office. This will ensure that if cancer starts to show up again, it will be detected early. In addition to that, you should make sure that you always wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher during the day.
Skin cancer treatment can be stressful, especially if you are afraid that it will not work to stop your cancer. The key to getting through the whole experience is to communicate with your doctor as often as possible during treatment. In this way, you will always know what is happening and how well your treatment is working.
Contact a medical professional near you to learn more about skin cancer treatments.
Share14 April 2021
We are all covered in skin. It plays a number of roles in our body, helping to keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It keeps our organs in place, and it even eliminates waste. But like any other organ, your skin can develop a number of health issues as time goes on. Maybe you develop acne, or perhaps you become affected by psoriasis or eczema. Dermatologists are there to help. This blog is all about doctors who specialize in dermatology, the work they do, and how they can help you get the skin you've always desired.
