Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: Comparing Treatments
Topic Overview
Most
nonmelanoma skin cancer can be cured if it is found
and treated early. The goal of treatment is to completely remove the cancer.
But the method of removal will differ depending on the experience of your
health professional and the type of cancer you have.
Advantages and disadvantages of common treatments for nonmelanoma skin cancer
|
Treatment |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Cryosurgery
|
- Minimal equipment
needed
- Simple to perform
- Cost-effective
- No
restriction of activity after surgery
|
- Margin around cancer may not be free of
cancer
- Moderately painful
- Slow
healing
- Potential for scarring
- No skin tissue for
diagnosis
|
|
Curettage and electrosurgery
|
- Minimal equipment
needed
- Simple to perform
- Cost-effective
- No
restriction of activity after surgery
|
- Margin around cancer may not be free of
cancer
- Slow healing
- Potential for scarring
|
|
Excision
|
- Margin around cancer more likely to be
free of cancer
- Tissue available for diagnosis
- More rapid healing
- Good cosmetic
results
|
- Healthy skin tissue around cancer
(margin) must be removed
- Activity restriction after surgery if
skin graft or flap is needed
|
|
Mohs micrographic surgery
|
- Best chance of cancer-free
margins
- Healthy skin tissue is preserved
- Tissue available for diagnosis
- Highest cure
rates
- Good cosmetic results
|
- Specialized training and facilities
needed
- Increased expense
- Takes more time to make
sure margins are cancer-free
- Activity restriction after surgery if
skin graft or flap is needed
|
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology |
|
Last Revised
|
October 1, 2010 |
Last Revised:
October 1, 2010
