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Skin Cancer Treatment

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Fortunately, when diagnosed early, it is highly treatable. Treatment options depend on the type of skin cancer, its depth, size, and location on the body. Some treatments target only the skin’s surface, while others involve surgery or more advanced care. Below is an overview of the most common skin cancer treatments, when they are used, and what patients can expect.

Topical treatments are non-invasive and used for very superficial skin cancers or precancerous lesions like actinic keratoses. These prescription creams target abnormal cells at the skin’s surface.

  • Imiquimod stimulates the body’s immune system to destroy abnormal cells.
  • 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapy cream that kills precancerous and cancerous skin cells.

These creams are often used to treat basal cell carcinoma in situ or squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen’s disease). Treatment can cause redness, irritation, and peeling but is effective when closely monitored by a dermatologist.

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroys precancerous cells using liquid nitrogen. This freezing technique is typically used for actinic keratoses or small, shallow skin cancers like early basal cell carcinoma. The procedure is performed in the office and may cause blistering and scabbing before healing. Cryotherapy is not recommended for deeper cancers.

Photodynamic therapy is a light-based treatment used for superficial skin cancers and precancerous growths. A light-sensitive medication is applied to the skin and then activated by a special light, triggering a chemical reaction that destroys abnormal cells.

PDT is most effective for actinic keratoses and some early basal cell carcinomas, especially on the face or scalp. After treatment, patients must avoid sunlight for 48 hours. It is effective and typically causes only minor side effects such as redness, stinging, and swelling.  It is generally well tolerated and offers good cosmetic results.

This in-office procedure involves scraping off the cancerous growth with a curette, followed by cauterizing the area with heat or chemicals to destroy remaining cells. It is typically performed using topical and local anesthetic. It is used for small, non-aggressive basal or squamous cell carcinomas, especially on the body or limbs. While effective, this method may leave a flat, pale scar and is not usually recommended for areas where appearance is a concern, such as the face.

Laser surgery uses focused beams of light to precisely remove or vaporize superficial skin cancers. In situ, a CO2 laser is commonly used to treat actinic keratoses, early basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma.

Laser surgery is typically reserved for cases where traditional surgery is not ideal, such as in patients with medical conditions that limit healing or in cosmetically sensitive areas. It causes minimal bleeding and often leaves little scarring. However, it is not suitable for deeper or invasive cancers.

Excisional surgery is one of the most common treatments for skin cancer. It is an office procedure performed using topical and local anesthetic. Dr. Newsome surgically removes the entire lesion along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue. The sample is examined under a microscope to ensure all cancer cells have been removed.

This method is effective for most basal cell, squamous cell, and early melanomas. Recovery depends on the size and location of the excision. Most wounds heal well, and scarring can often be minimized with good wound care.

Mohs surgery is a highly specialized surgical procedure used for skin cancers in high-risk or cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the face, ears, and hands. It is also used for cancers with unclear borders, large size, or recurrence. It is an office procedure performed using topical and local anesthesia.

During Mohs surgery, the cancer is removed one thin layer at a time. Each layer is examined under a microscope during the procedure until no cancer cells remain. This technique has the highest cure rates—up to 99%—while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. It is especially effective for basal and squamous cell carcinomas.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and is typically reserved for patients who cannot undergo surgery. It may also be used after surgery to treat aggressive or recurrent cancers.

Radiation is commonly used for basal and squamous cell carcinomas, particularly in older patients or in areas where surgery would be disfiguring. Treatment is delivered over several sessions. Side effects can include redness, peeling, and long-term skin changes, but outcomes are generally favorable.

These advanced treatments are used for cancers that have spread or are not responding to local treatment—especially in advanced melanoma.

  • Targeted therapy blocks specific molecules that help cancer cells grow.
  • Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and fight cancer.

These are typically prescribed and monitored by an oncology team. While they can cause systemic side effects, they have improved outcomes for patients with advanced skin cancer.

With early diagnosis and the right treatment, most skin cancers are curable. Regardless of treatment, regular follow-up is essential. Patients who have had one skin cancer are at higher risk of developing another. Ongoing skin checks and good sun protection habits—such as daily sunscreen use and avoiding tanning beds—can reduce the risk of future skin cancers.

If you notice a new or changing spot on your skin, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Austin Newsome. Dr. Austin Newsome is a board-certified, medical and cosmetic dermatologist in North Carolina. She is dedicated to providing exceptional, patient-centered care. Her office is in Rolesville, NC and she serves patients from Greensboro to Raleigh, and beyond. Early diagnosis and personalized treatment offer the best chance for a full recovery.

At a Glance

Dr. Austin Newsome

  • Board-certified dermatologist with over eight years of experience
  • Builds trusted relationships with patients to support personalized skincare
  • Offers general, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology
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