The goal of skin cancer treatment is to completely eliminate cancer cells, prevent the spread of lesions, and minimize the impact on the patient's appearance and functional quality of life. Treatment plans should be personalized based on the type of cancer (such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, etc.), the stage of the lesions, their location, and the overall health of the patient. Cases detected early are usually treated primarily with local therapies, while late-stage or metastatic lesions may require a combination of treatment modalities.
Treatment strategies typically include core methods such as surgical intervention, pharmacotherapy, and radiation therapy. In recent years, advancements in immunotherapy and targeted therapy have also provided new options for complex cases. Patients need regular follow-ups during the treatment process and should adjust their lifestyle to reduce the risk of recurrence. The medical team will adjust the treatment plan based on the response to therapy, ensuring a balance between safety and efficacy.
The current standard treatment options encompass a multidisciplinary collaborative approach, with the following being the main types of treatment:
Pharmacotherapy plays a key role in the treatment of skin cancer, especially in controlling advanced or metastatic lesions. Topical medications are primarily used for epidermal lesions, while systemic medications target widespread dissemination:
Topical agents are suitable for early or low-risk lesions, with common forms including:
Topical medications need to be applied daily for several weeks, with efficacy varying based on the depth of the lesions, and are usually combined with other treatment modalities to enhance effectiveness.
Oral or intravenous medications target systemic lesions, with common types including:
Non-pharmacological treatment methods can provide precise treatment targeting different lesion characteristics, with common techniques including:
This therapy combines photosensitizers with specific wavelength light sources to selectively destroy cancer cells. Patients first apply aminolevulinic acid topically, followed by laser or blue light exposure, suitable for superficial basal cell carcinoma or actinic keratosis.
Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy is suitable for small area lesions, destroying cancer cell structures through low temperatures. Electrosurgery uses high-frequency electrical currents to burn abnormal tissue, often combined with curettage for actinic keratosis and other precancerous lesions.
Recent studies have combined photodynamic therapy with targeted drugs to enhance control rates for advanced lesions. Some studies have attempted to use pulsed dye lasers for precise ablation of tiny metastatic lesions.
Adjustments in patients' lifestyle habits are crucial for prognosis, with the following being key management directions:
Avoid exposure to sunlamps and artificial UV devices, and use UV-blocking window films in the home environment. High-risk patients are advised to avoid outdoor activities when the UV index exceeds 3, opting for shade measures instead.
The medical community is actively developing new treatment strategies, with the following areas showing potential for breakthrough developments:
Gene therapy techniques are exploring how to repair the DNA repair mechanisms of cancer cells, such as using CRISPR technology to correct defects in the p53 tumor suppressor gene. These techniques are currently in clinical trial phases but have shown potential efficacy for hereditary skin cancers.
CAR-T cell therapy has been successfully used in hematological cancers, and researchers are attempting to modify T cells to recognize skin cancer-specific antigens. Trials in 2023 showed that this technology achieved an objective response rate of 30-40% in patients with advanced melanoma.
Deep learning algorithms can analyze skin images to assist in early diagnosis. The future may see more precise personalized treatment recommendations through AI-based image analysis and treatment response prediction systems.
Immediate medical evaluation is warranted in the following situations:
Patients with a family history or compromised immune function are advised to undergo professional skin examinations every 6 months. Those who have received organ transplants or long-term immunosuppressive therapy should be monitored every 3 months.
If infections, persistent ulcerations, or lymph node swelling occur after treatment, a follow-up visit should be scheduled immediately to assess whether treatment adjustments are necessary. The medical team will formulate the most appropriate treatment pathway based on biomarker test results.
After surgical excision of skin cancer, follow medical advice to clean the wound and avoid excessive irritation. Initially, sterile dressings can be used for protection, and after healing, medical-grade skincare products can be applied to reduce redness and swelling. If scars significantly affect appearance, consult a physician for laser or minimally invasive treatments after complete healing, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent pigmentation.
What behaviors in daily life may increase the risk of skin cancer recurrence?Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays (such as not using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher), weakened immune system (such as not regularly taking immunosuppressants), or continuous contact with carcinogenic substances (such as tobacco chemicals) may increase the likelihood of recurrence. It is recommended to undergo full-body skin examinations every six months and to avoid self-squeezing or scratching the treatment area.
What is the difference between targeted therapy and immunotherapy? How to choose the appropriate plan?Targeted therapy focuses on specific genetic mutations in cancer cells, such as BRAF inhibitors; immunotherapy activates the immune system to recognize cancer cells. Physicians will choose a plan based on tumor genetic testing results and the patient's physical condition. If the tumor has specific gene mutations and has not metastasized, targeted therapy may be more direct; if it is advanced or complex, a combination of both therapies may be used to enhance effectiveness.
How to manage skin inflammation and redness during radiation therapy?Skin inflammation caused by radiation therapy can be alleviated using fragrance-free moisturizers to relieve dryness, avoiding products containing alcohol or alpha hydroxy acids. If blisters or ulcers occur, the medical team should be notified immediately, and the physician may adjust the dosage or prescribe steroid ointments. During treatment, loose clothing should be worn, and strict sun avoidance should be practiced to prevent exacerbation of symptoms.
Can herbal or natural products replace standard treatments?Currently, there is no scientific evidence that any single herbal product can replace standard treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy. Some herbal medicines may interfere with the metabolism of anticancer drugs or even promote tumor growth. Patients should avoid discontinuing medications prescribed by their physician, and if there is a need for complementary therapies, they should first communicate with the medical team to confirm safety.
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