Did you know that in India, the estimated number of cancer cases in 2022 reached 14,61,427? Among these, skin cancer remains a significant concern. Recognizing skin cancer symptoms early is crucial for effective treatment.
For those in Vizianagaram seeking advice, it’s essential consulting with experienced dermatologists in Vizianagaram. These medical professionals can provide accurate diagnoses and guide patients towards appropriate treatments.
Understanding the various options available for skin cancer treatment is vital, especially in areas like Vizianagaram, where access to specialised healthcare can be a concern.
Treatment Options for Skin Cancer
Treating skin cancer involves various methods, and the choice of treatment often depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Vizianagaram skin specialists may recommend different procedures based on a patient’s specific needs. Here are some common treatments:
Biological Therapy
Biological therapy, also known as immunotherapy, uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. This treatment utilizes substances either naturally produced by the body or created in a lab to enhance, focus, or rejuvenate the functioning of the immune system.
This therapy can be an option for certain types of skin cancer, helping the body recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. In this process, layers of skin with cancer cells are gradually taken off and checked until only skin without cancer is left. It’s highly effective for certain types of skin cancer and is known for its ability to preserve as much healthy skin as possible.
Excisional Surgery
In excisional surgery, the dermatologist removes the cancerous tissue along with a surrounding margin of healthy skin as a safety buffer. It’s a common treatment for many forms of skin cancer and is typically done under local anaesthesia.
Curettage and Electrodesiccation or Cryotherapy
This method involves scraping away the cancer cells (curettage) and then using electricity to kill any remaining cancer cells (electrodesiccation). Alternatively, cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal cells. These treatments are usually reserved for small or superficial types of skin cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to destroy cancer cells. For skin cancer, it can be applied topically (directly on the skin) or systemically (throughout the body) depending on the cancer’s extent and location. This method is typically used when cancer has spread beyond the skin.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy is a unique way to fight skin cancer. It involves a special drug that reacts to light, targeting cancer cells. First, doctors apply a light-sensitive cream to the skin. After it’s absorbed by the cancer cells, they shine a specific light on the area. This light triggers the drug, which then kills the cancer cells.
This skin cancer treatment is great for surface-level skin cancers and for treating areas where scars would be noticeable. It’s a precise way to handle skin cancer, focusing only on the affected cells.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is another method to tackle skin cancer. It uses powerful rays to target and kill cancer cells. It’s an option when surgery isn’t suitable, especially for hard-to-reach areas. The treatment is accurate, aiming only at the cancerous spot, thus saving the healthy skin around it.
Doctors might use it alone or with other treatments, like surgery, to make sure they get all the cancer cells. It’s particularly effective against specific types of skin cancer like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a modern approach to treating skin cancer. It zeroes in on the unique traits of cancer cells. This treatment looks for specific molecules that help cancer grow and spread, then attacks them. It’s often used when skin cancer symptoms suggest the cancer is advanced or aggressive.
The drugs used in targeted therapy disrupt the way cancer cells grow, making this treatment more focused and less likely to harm normal cells compared to traditional treatments.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking treatment, especially for melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. This treatment boosts your immune system, helping your body fight the cancer. It uses substances either made by the body or in a lab to improve how your immune system works against cancer cells.
Immunotherapy can be a game-changer, especially when other treatments haven’t worked. It helps stop cancer from growing, spreading, and helps the immune system destroy cancer cells.
For those in need of comprehensive skin cancer care, Queen’s NRI Hospital in Vizianagaram is a reliable choice. This hospital is well-equipped with specialized departments in Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, and Surgical Oncology, catering to various needs of cancer treatment.
At Queen’s NRI Cancer Institute, patients can benefit from the latest diagnostic technologies, including advanced CT and MRI machines. If you’re seeking expert skin doctors in Vizianagaram, Queen’s NRI Hospital is a place where you can find quality treatment and compassionate care.
For more details on our services and assistance in your treatment journey, do visit Queen’s NRI Hospital.