Skin Cancer Treatment Options In 2021

The American Cancer Society estimates that there could be over 115,000 new skin cancer cases in 2021. Understanding your treatment options for skin cancer in Peoria, AZ, can help you make informed decisions about your health. Your dermatologist, Dr. Vernon Mackey of Advanced Desert Dermatology can explain your skin cancer prevention and treatment options.

Surgery

Surgery is a common skin cancer treatment. Your dermatologist can perform this procedure in their office to remove the cancer cells and surrounding skin. This procedure occurs under local anesthesia so you don't have to worry about pain.

Topical therapy

These non-surgical treatments are sometimes carried out with other skin cancer treatments that target and destroy skin cancer cells. Topical therapies that your dermatologist could prescribe for your skin cancer in Peoria, AZ, include:

  • Photodynamic therapy. Your dermatologist applies light-sensitive medication to your skin cancer and activates it with light to kill cancer cells.
  • Topical chemotherapy. Using this therapy, your dermatologist applies a chemotherapeutic agent to the skin cancer for 3-12 weeks. It's typically effective against superficial cancers.
  • Immune response modifiers. They act by stimulating your immune system to fight skin cancer.

Chemotherapy

For advanced skin cancers, your dermatologist might prescribe chemotherapy. Your medical team at Advanced Desert Dermatology will develop personalized chemotherapeutic therapy for your skin cancer.

Radiation therapy

Following surgery, your dermatologist might recommend radiation therapy to clear up remaining cancer cells especially in areas where they removed lymph nodes. Radiation therapy could also help treat metastases if cancer comes back. Radiation therapies for skin cancer include:

  • External beam radiation therapy
  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy
  • Tomo therapy

Targeted therapies

Targeted therapies work by acting on specific features of your cancer cell that distinguish them from healthy cells. These features include specific gene mutations and proteins. These therapies kill cancer cells or improve the efficacy of chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy activates your immune system to kill cancer cells. Cytokines and checkpoint inhibitors are immunotherapy drugs that your dermatologist might recommend for your skin cancer treatment.

Want to learn more about skin cancer in Peoria, AZ?

Schedule a consultation with your dermatologist, Dr. Mackey, of Advanced Desert Dermatology by calling (623) 977-6700.

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Hours of Operation

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Hours of Operation

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed