Non-melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma) in St. Charles, St. Peters, O’Fallon, Wentzville

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is a condition that occurs when normal skin cells undergo abnormal changes. There are two primary types of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma.

Non-melanoma skin cancer can develop anywhere on the skin, but it is most commonly found on the head, face, neck, back of the hands, arms, and legs. This is because these areas are most exposed to the sun’s harmful rays.

Sun exposure and sunburn are the leading causes of skin cancer. People with fair skin that burns easily are more susceptible to skin cancer. The harmful effects of the sun accumulate over time, and the more you are exposed to the sun (or tanning beds) in your life, the greater your risk of developing skin cancer.

The two most common types of non-melanoma skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Most forms of non-melanoma skin cancer can be easily treated because they grow slowly. However, if left untreated, some non-melanoma skin cancers can become large or spread to other parts of the body.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Symptoms

Non-melanoma skin cancer can manifest as an abnormal area of skin that may appear pink, red and swollen, peeling, bleeding or look like an open sore, thick or crusty. Other skin changes due to sun damage can also occur, such as scaly, rough, or bumpy spots called “actinic keratoses”. Actinic keratoses are often found on the face, ears, arms, or scalp and can sometimes turn into skin cancer. Doctors often treat actinic keratoses to decrease the chance that this will happen

It is important to note that skin changes can also be caused by conditions that are not cancer. If you notice any skin changes that you think might be abnormal, you should show them to your doctor or nurse.

Testing for Skin Cancer

Skin cancer can be diagnosed through a series of tests. A doctor or nurse will examine your skin thoroughly and if they suspect skin cancer, they will perform a biopsy. During a biopsy, a small sample of the abnormal area is taken or the whole abnormal area is removed. The sample is then examined under a microscope to check for cancer.

If your doctor suspects that your skin cancer has spread inside your body, you may need additional follow-up tests such as imaging tests. These tests create pictures of the inside of the body and can show abnormal growths.

The right treatment for you will depend on the type of skin cancer you have, as well as its size and location. Your age and other health problems will also be taken into consideration.

Treatments for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers

Non-melanoma skin cancer can be treated with a variety of methods. Surgery is the most common treatment, where doctors remove or destroy the cancerous cells. There are different types of surgeries that can be performed depending on the severity of the cancer. Radiation therapy is another option that can be used when surgery is not possible or when the cancer cannot be removed completely. Skin creams containing medicines that can kill cancer cells may also be prescribed by your doctor. Photodynamic therapy is another treatment option where a special cream and light are used to kill cancer cells.

In some cases, other treatments may be recommended. For certain types of non-melanoma skin cancer that cannot be treated with the above options, doctors may recommend immunotherapy or targeted therapy. Immunotherapy refers to medicines that work with the person’s immune system to stop cancer growth. Targeted therapy is a group of medicines that work only on cancers with certain characteristics by blocking a specific protein or molecule.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays can help prevent skin cancer. To reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, you can take the following steps:

  • Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM).

  • Apply sunscreen regularly and reapply it as needed.

  • Wear protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, or long pants.

  • Refrain from using tanning beds.