Treatment for skin cancer will depend on a number of factors:
- Type of skin cancer
- Size
- Location of the skin cancer
- Whether the skin cancer has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body.
Treatment options can include:
Excision
Surgical removal of the tumour and surrounding tissue.
Curettage
Scraping and burning.
Cryotherapy
Freezing with liquid nitrogen.
Radiotherapy
Using high energy rays such as X-rays to destroy cancer cells within a specific area.
MOHS
Highly specialised surgery where the cancer (generally non melanoma skin cancer only) is removed little by little and checked under the microscope immediately.
Photodynamic Therapy
Using a light source and special cream to destroy cancer cells.
Imiquimod
A cream that destroys skin cancer by stimulating the body’s immune system to fight the cancer. Imiquimod is in a class of medications called immune response modifiers.
Chemotherapy
Treatment with drugs, either pills or injections. It may be used to treat melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body.
After treatment you may need regular check-ups with your GP or specialist for early detection of any new skin cancers. If you notice any spots you are worried about between follow-up appointments, it’s important to speak with your GP or specialist as soon as possible.
It is very important to protect your skin. Wear SPF30+ sunscreen (at least) with UVA and UVB filters, hat and appropriate clothing when in the sun.
Malvern Dermatology and Medical Laser Clinic 
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