Today, there are many different treatment options afforded to those with skin cancer. However, one that has been growing in popularity in recent times is topical chemotherapy treatment. For those that have never heard of this before, it involves putting a medication cream directly onto the skin’s surface.
What you should know about topical chemotherapy treatment
During this kind of treatment, a cream is spread onto the skin. Very little of the medicine found in the cream is absorbed into the body. Instead, the cells that are affected with the skin cancer are the only areas treated. In other words, it is ideal for those with superficial skin cancers since only the cancers that are found on the top layer of skin are treated. That is because the cream is applied directly to the area of the body that needs it. Typically, those who choose the topical chemotherapy skin cancer treatment are ones suffering from thin basal cell skin cancers.
The only skin cancer treatment you can perform on your own
Unlike other types of cancer treatments, topical chemotherapy you can do all on your own. Once the skin cancer dermatologist shows you how it is done, you can apply the cream onto the area where the cancer is on your body all by yourself. Generally, the cream should be placed onto the area at least two times each day for the best results. The cream should also be spread all over the affected area, so that you are truly treating the abnormal cells properly. Sometimes the dermatologist will give you a waterproof dressing to put over the cream. This is provided so that the cream stays in place at all times. However, certain areas of the body do not call for a dressing, so if the cancer lies there, you won’t need it.
What to expect from your topical chemotherapy treatment in Orange County
Usually, the treatment will last for a couple of weeks. Some side effects that those undergoing topical chemotherapy may experience is red, sore, inflamed skin. With any type of treatment, though, some people will react more than others. If needed, the dermatologist will prescribe another cream that has steroids in it to fix this problem. That is because the steroids will help take away the swelling. Two weeks after finishing up your topical chemotherapy, the side effects should go completely away.
Skin cancer is clearly a serious issue that countless people all over the world are currently dealing with. Thankfully, there are multiple treatment options available with topical chemotherapy among them.