Skin cancer can appear anywhere on the body, but nowhere is it more troublesome than on the face. There are numerous treatment options for skin cancer and precancerous lesions on the face. The treatment used will depend on the type and severity of the cancer diagnosed, but most can be performed under local anesthetic and with little or no complications.
Surgery
One of the most common treatment options for facial skin cancer is surgery. One type is called excisional surgery, which involves cutting out the affected tissue along with some surrounding noncancerous tissue to ensure the cancer is completely removed. Another type is called Mohs surgery, which involves the removal of the skin cancer in layers. Layers of skin are removed until no more cancer can be detected. This is especially effective in facial areas or on very large cancers. Another surgery type is called curettage and electrodesiccation, which involves removing the majority of the cancer, then removing the rest layer by layer by means of a curet. Then, an electric needle is used to destroy whatever cancer may be left behind.
Laser Treatment
A laser is sometimes used to remove cancerous skin growths. This works on the face very well because of the prominent and sensitive skin. The laser is very precise and removes the growth without damaging the surrounding skin. This is especially useful in removing precancerous growths.
Freezing
Cryosurgery is sometimes used to treat precancers called actinic keratoses, or very small skin cancer lesions. This involves freezing the affected tissue with liquid nitrogen, which causes the growth to fall off once it thaws out. Scarring is typically minimal, though repeated treatments may be necessary.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used in some cases of skin cancer. This may be applied by means of a lotion or cream if the cancer is surface-based. While effective, this can cause irritation and scarring to the treatment area. If the skin cancer has spread to multiple areas of the body or to organs, intravenous or oral chemotherapy drugs will be administered.
Radiation Therapy
In some cases, surgery cannot be used to remove skin cancer growths. This may be the case if they are in a difficult area to operate on. In these cases, radiation therapy may be used rather than surgery. Radiation involves the aiming of particles at the affected area with the intent of shrinking the growth or eliminating it altogether.
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