Treatments for Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer: Is the Diagnosis Correct?
The first step in getting correct treatment is
to get a correct diagnosis.
Differential diagnosis list for Skin Cancer may include:
Hidden causes of Skin Cancer may be incorrectly diagnosed:
Skin Cancer: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers
Products, offers and promotion categories available for Skin Cancer:
Skin Cancer: Research Doctors & Specialists
Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
Drugs and Medications used to treat Skin Cancer:
Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment
or change in treatment plans.
Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Skin Cancer include:
Hospital statistics for Skin Cancer:
These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Skin Cancer:
- 0.49% (63,037) of hospital episodes were for malignant neoplasms of skin in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 99% of hospital consultations for malignant neoplasms of skin required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 54% of hospital episodes for malignant neoplasms of skin were for men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 46% of hospital episodes for malignant neoplasms of skin were for women in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 2% of hospital admissions for malignant neoplasms of skin required emergency hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- more hospital information...»
Hospitals & Medical Clinics: Skin Cancer
Research quality ratings and patient incidents/safety measures
for hospitals and medical facilities in specialties related to Skin Cancer:
Hospital & Clinic quality ratings » »
Choosing the Best Treatment Hospital:
More general information, not necessarily in relation to Skin Cancer,
on hospital and medical facility performance and surgical care quality:
Medical news summaries about treatments for Skin Cancer:
The following medical news items
are relevant to treatment of Skin Cancer:
Discussion of treatments for Skin Cancer:
Skin Cancer: NWHIC (Excerpt)
Most skin cancers are curable. Your chance of recovery (prognosis) and
choice of treatment depend on the type of skin cancer you have and how far
it has spread. There are treatments for all patients with skin cancer.
Three kinds of treatments are used:
-
surgery (removing the cancerous skin or tumor)
-
chemotherapy (using drugs to kill cancer cells)
-
radiation therapy (using x-rays to kill cancer cells)
Biological therapy (using your body's immune system to fight cancer) is
being tested in clinical trials. Women with serious skin cancer can ask
their health care provider about this kind of treatment.
Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is highly curable when
found in its earliest stages. Surgical removal of thin melanomas can cure
the disease in most cases. The thicker the melanoma, the lower the
survival rate.
Actinic keratoses (AKs) can be removed before they turn into cancer.
This can be done with a type of laser treatment called photodynamic
therapy, by using chemotherapy creams, or by freezing them with liquid
nitrogen.
(Source: excerpt from Skin Cancer: NWHIC)
Skin Care and Aging - Age Page - Health Information: NIA (Excerpt)
In treating skin cancer, the doctor’s main goal is to remove or
destroy cancer completely, leaving as small scar as possible. To
plan the best treatment for each person, the doctor considers the
type of skin cancer, its location and size, and the person’s general
health and medical history. Treatment for skin cancer usually
involves some type of surgery. In some cases, radiation therapy or
chemotherapy (anticancer drugs) or a combination of these treatments
may be necessary. (Source: excerpt from Skin Care and Aging - Age Page - Health Information: NIA)
What You Need To Know About Skin Cancer: NCI (Excerpt)
In treating skin cancer, the doctor's main goal is to
remove or destroy the cancer completely with as small a scar
as possible. To plan the best treatment for each patient, the
doctor considers the location and size of the cancer, the risk
of scarring, and the person's age, general health, and medical
history. (Source: excerpt from What You Need To Know About Skin Cancer: NCI)
What You Need To Know About Skin Cancer: NCI (Excerpt)
Treatment for skin cancer usually involves some type of
surgery .
In some cases, doctors suggest radiation
therapy or chemotherapy .
Sometimes a combination of these methods is used.
Surgery
Many skin cancers can be cut from the skin quickly and
easily. In fact, the cancer is sometimes completely removed at
the time of the biopsy, and no further treatment is
needed.
Curettage and Electrodesiccation
Doctors commonly use a type of surgery called curettage .
After a local anesthetic
numbs the area, the cancer is scooped out with a curette ,
an instrument with a sharp, spoon-shaped end. The area is also
treated by electrodesiccation .
An electric current from a special machine is used to control
bleeding and kill any cancer cells remaining around the edge
of the wound. Most patients develop a flat, white scar.
Mohs' Surgery
Mohs' technique is a special type of surgery used for skin
cancer. Its purpose is to remove all of the cancerous tissue
and as little of the healthy tissue as possible. It is
especially helpful when the doctor is not sure of the shape
and depth of the tumor. In addition, this method is used to
remove large tumors, those in hard-to-treat places, and
cancers that have recurred. The patient is given a local
anesthetic, and the cancer is shaved off one thin layer at a
time. Each layer is checked under a microscope until the
entire tumor is removed. The degree of scarring depends on the
location and size of the treated area. This method should be
used only by doctors who are specially trained in this type of
surgery.
Cryosurgery
Extreme cold may be used to treat precancerous skin
conditions, such as actinic keratosis, as well as certain
small skin cancers. In cryosurgery ,
liquid nitrogen is applied to the growth to freeze and kill
the abnormal cells. After the area thaws, the dead tissue
falls off. More than one freezing may be needed to remove the
growth completely. Cryosurgery usually does not hurt, but
patients may have pain and swelling after the area thaws. A
white scar may form in the treated area.
Laser Therapy
Laser
therapy uses a narrow beam of light to remove or destroy
cancer cells. This approach is sometimes used for cancers that
involve only the outer layer of skin.
Grafting
Sometimes, especially when a large cancer is removed, a
skin
graft is needed to close the wound and reduce the
amount of scarring. For this procedure, the doctor takes a
piece of healthy skin from another part of the body to replace
the skin that was removed.
Radiation
Skin cancer responds well to radiation therapy (also called
radiotherapy), which uses high-energy rays to damage cancer
cells and stop them from growing. Doctors often use this
treatment for cancers that occur in areas that are hard to
treat with surgery. For example, radiation therapy might be
used for cancers of the eyelid, the tip of the nose, or the
ear. Several treatments may be needed to destroy all of the
cancer cells. Radiation therapy may cause a rash or make the
skin in the area dry or red. Changes in skin color and/or
texture may develop after the treatment is over and may become
more noticeable many years later.
Topical Chemotherapy
Topical
chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs in a cream
or lotion applied to the skin. Actinic keratosis can be
treated effectively with the anticancer drug fluorouracil
(also called 5-FU). This treatment is also useful for cancers
limited to the top layer of skin. The 5-FU is applied daily
for several weeks. Intense inflammation is common during
treatment, but scars usually do not occur. (Source: excerpt from What You Need To Know About Skin Cancer: NCI)
Buy Products Related to Treatments for Skin Cancer
Book Excerpts: Treatment of Skin Cancer
- Treatment - Dry Skin (Xerosis)
- Treatment - Genital Skin Lesions
- Treatment - Skin Pigmentation (Decreased)
- Treatment - Malignant spinal neoplasms
- Treatment - Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
- Patient counseling - Skin turgor, decreased
- Patient counseling - Skin, mottled
- Patient counseling - Skin, scaly
- Treatment - Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
- Nursing considerations - Skin, clammy
- Nursing considerations - Skin, mottled
- Patient counseling - Skin, bronze
- Patient counseling - Skin, clammy
- Patient counseling - Skin, mottled
- Patient counseling - Skin, scaly
- Nursing considerations - Skin turgor, decreased
- Nursing considerations - Skin, clammy
- Nursing considerations - Skin, mottled
- Nursing considerations - Skin, scaly
Treatments of Skin Cancer: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the treatments of Skin Cancer.
Dry Skin (Xerosis):
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Emollients and humectants should be incorporated into the patient's daily routine; Avoid harsh antibacterial soaps, and avoid long, hot baths or showers; Apply rich creams (e.g. Keri lotionR, EucerinR) that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic immediately after bathing and twice daily
-
Hydroxyzine and even phototherapy can be helpful to these patients. Bile acid-sequestering medications can help liver patients with xerosis and pruritus
-
Topical steroid ointments are sometimes necessary to control the pruritus until the skin barrier function is restored
-
Compliance is a problem in xerosis patients who don’t want to put greasy or heavy creams on their skin
-
Systemic retinoids are sometimes used as adjuvant therapy for patients with certain genetic ichthyoses
-
For the rare patient that has an associated malignancy, the xerosis should improve once the malignancy is eradicated
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Genital Skin Lesions:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Herpes simplex virus: Antivirals (e.g., acyclovir) are best given within 24 hours of outbreak to reduce severity and duration of disease; acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and cool baths for symptomatic relief
-
Condyloma accuminata: Destruction of lesions with podophyllin, cryotherapy, cantherone, trichloroacetic acid, or laser can ablate lesions; topical immunotherapy with imiquimod or squaric acid is also successful
-
Tinea cruris: Topical (e.g., terbinafine) or oral antifungals (e.g., terbinafine, fluconazole)
-
Syphilis: Antibiotics (e.g., penicillin)
-
Molluscum contagiosum: Cryotherapy for mild disease; surgical removal for moderate disease
-
Chancroid: Antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin)
-
Low-potency topical steroids are necessary to treat psoriasis, Zoon's balanitis, and seborrheic dermatitis
-
If a red or white plaque persists despite topical therapy, biopsy the lesion to rule out carcinoma
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Skin Pigmentation (Decreased):
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Topical steroids may stimulate repigmentation of vitiligo and pityriasis alba
-
Sunscreens are crucial to protect vulnerable skin
-
Since some patients develop vitiligo in areas of trauma (i.e., Koebner effect), trauma should be avoided
-
Repigmentation may be facilitated by systemic or topical photochemotherapy with psoralens plus UVA
-
Punch minigrafting from normal donor skin areas to vitiligo areas stimulates melanocyte repopulation
-
Patients with diffuse or unresponsive vitiligo may diffusely and irreversibly depigment their skin by applying monobenzylether or hydroquinone.
-
Treatment of any associated thyroid disorder or diabetes, pernicious anemia, etc., does not alter or improve the course of the associated vitiligo
- Oral β-carotene can be taken long term by patients with diffuse vitiligo or albinism and may impart a more “normal” skin color
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Malignant spinal neoplasms:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Treatment of spinal cord tumors generally includes decompression or radiation. Laminectomy is indicated for primary tumors that produce spinal cord or cauda equina compression; it isn't usually indicated for metastatic tumors. If the tumor is slowly progressive or if it's treated before the cord degenerates from compression, symptoms are likely to disappear, and complete restoration of function is possible. In a patient with metastatic carcinoma or lymphoma who suddenly experiences complete transverse myelitis with spinal shock, functional improvement is unlikely, even with treatment, and his outlook is ominous. If the patient has incomplete paraplegia of rapid onset, emergency surgical decompression may save cord function. Steroid therapy with dexamethasone minimizes cord edema and temporarily relieves symptoms until surgery can be performed. Partial removal of intramedullary gliomas, followed by radiation, may alleviate symptoms for a short time. Metastatic extradural tumors can be controlled with radiation, analgesics and, in the case of hormone-mediated tumors (breast and prostate), appropriate hormone therapy. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may control radicular pain from spinal cord tumors and is a useful alternative to opioid analgesics. In TENS, an electrical charge is applied to the skin to stimulate large-diameter nerve fibers and thereby inhibit transmission of pain impulses through small-diameter nerve fibers. Chemotherapy generally hasn't proven effective against most spinal tumors, but may be recommended in some cases.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Treatment includes systemic antibiotics, usually penicillinase-resistant penicillin. Severe cases require hospitalization and I.V. antibiotics. Oral antibiotics should be adequate for milder cases. Skin lubrication with a non–alcohol-based preparation is beneficial. Washing or bathing should be done sparingly. Replacement measures to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance are necessary.
PEDIATRIC TIP Admission is appropriate for neonates and young children with extensive sloughing.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Skin turgor, decreased:
Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Advise patients who experience fluid loss (for example, from vomiting or diarrhea) to drink enough fluids to replace their losses. Tell them to drink at least one glass of water (or, preferably, a beverage with higher electrolyte content such as a sports drink) after each loose bowel movement or episode of vomiting, to avoid dehydration. If the patient can’t keep fluids down because of persistent vomiting, he may need an antiemetic or I.V. fluid replacement.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Skin, mottled:
Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If the patient has a chronic condition, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, periarteritis nodosa, or cryoglobulinemia, advise him to watch for mottled skin because it may indicate a flare-up of his disorder.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Skin, scaly:
Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Teach the patient proper skin care, and suggest lubricating baths and emollients. Instruct him not to use hot water to bathe or shower.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome:
Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)
Systemic antibiotics treat the underlying infection. Replacement measures maintain fluid and electrolyte balance to prevent dehydration. Moist compresses may improve comfort, and an emollient may help keep skin moist.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Skin, clammy:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Take the patient’s vital signs frequently and monitor urine output. If clammy skin occurs with an anxiety reaction or pain, offer the patient emotional support, administer pain medication, and provide a quiet environment.
Patient teaching
If an underlying illness is related to the patient’s clammy skin, provide information on the condition. If the condition is related to an alteration in the patient’s blood glucose level, provide information on management of hypoglycemia and early signs of a falling blood glucose level. Provide information on the importance of nutrition and hydration.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Skin, mottled:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Assess for exacerbation of the underlying condition, and refer the patient for medical treatment. Maximize circulation to the affected areas by keeping them warm and in proper alignment.
Patient teaching
If the patient has a chronic condition, such as SLE, periarteritis nodosa, or cryoglobulinemia, advise him to watch for mottled skin because it may indicate a flare-up of his disorder. Encourage the patient to avoid wearing tight clothing and to avoid overexposure to cooling or heating devices.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Skin, bronze:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Encourage the patient to discuss his concerns about changes in body image. Encourage frequent rest periods if fatigue is a problem. A referral for nutritional counseling may be needed if the patient experiences weight loss, nausea, or vomiting.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Skin, clammy:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Because the patient with cool, clammy skin may be acutely ill, provide emotional support to him and his family. Explain what’s happening using short, simple sentences. Orient them to the intensive care unit, if applicable, explaining the equipment and the unit’s routines.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Skin, mottled:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Teach patients to avoid tight clothing and overexposure to cold or to heating devices, such as hot water bottles and heating pads. If the patient has a chronic condition, such as SLE or periarteritis nodosa, advise him to watch for mottled skin because it may indicate a flare-up of his disorder.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Skin, scaly:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Teach the patient proper skin care, and suggest lubricating baths and emollients. Instruct him not to use hot water to bathe or shower.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Skin turgor, decreased:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Turn the patient every 2 hours to prevent skin breakdown.
▪ Monitor the patient's intake and output, administer I.V. fluids, and frequently offer oral fluids.
▪ Weigh the patient daily.
▪ Monitor the patient for signs of electrolyte imbalance; monitor laboratory values.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the disorder and treatment.
▪ Explain to the patient the importance of fluid replacement.
▪ Explain signs and symptoms the patient needs to report.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Skin, clammy:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Take the patient's vital signs frequently.
▪ Monitor the patient's intake and output.
▪ Provide measures to correct the underlying condition. For example, if clammy skin occurs with an anxiety reaction or pain, offer the patient emotional support, administer pain medication, and provide a quiet environment.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the underlying disorder and its treatment.
▪ Orient the patient to the intensive care unit.
▪ Explain any diagnostic tests or procedures.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Skin, mottled:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Provide care to treat the patient's underlying condition.
▪ Monitor vital signs, especially noting blood pressure.
▪ Monitor the patient's skin for changes in the mottled appearance.
▪ Monitor pulses, noting the strength of impulse.
Patient teaching
▪ Teach the patient to avoid tight clothing and overexposure to cold or to heating devices, such as hot water bottles and heating pads.
▪ Discuss treatment of the underlying condition.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Skin, scaly:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ If scaling results from corticosteroid therapy, wean the patient off the drug. (See Managing the patient with psoriasis, page 567.)
▪ Prepare the patient for such diagnostic tests as a Wood's light examination, skin scraping, and skin biopsy.
▪ Administer lotions and creams, as prescribed.
Patient teaching
▪ Instruct the patient in proper skin care.
▪ Explain the underlying disorder and its treatment.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
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