Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: Comparing Treatments
Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: Comparing TreatmentsSkip to the navigationTopic OverviewMost
nonmelanoma skin cancer can be cured if it is found
and treated early. The goal of treatment is to completely remove the cancer.
But the method of removal will differ depending on the experience of your
doctor and the type of cancer you have. Advantages and disadvantages of common treatments for nonmelanoma skin cancer|
Treatment |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|
Cryosurgery | - Minimal equipment
needed
- Simple to perform
- Cost-effective
- No
restriction of activity after surgery
| - Margin around cancer may not be free of
cancer
- Moderately painful
- Slow
healing
- Potential for scarring
- No skin tissue for
diagnosis
| Curettage and electrosurgery | - Minimal equipment
needed
- Simple to perform
- Cost-effective
- No
restriction of activity after surgery
| - Margin around cancer may not be free of
cancer
- Slow healing
- Potential for scarring
| Excision | - Margin around cancer more likely to be
free of cancer
- Tissue available for diagnosis
- More rapid healing
- Good cosmetic
results
| - Healthy skin tissue around cancer
(margin) must be removed
- Activity restriction after surgery if
skin graft or flap is needed
| Mohs micrographic surgery | - Best chance of margins free of cancer
- Healthy skin tissue is preserved
- Tissue available for diagnosis
- Highest cure
rates
- Good cosmetic results
| - Specialized training and facilities
needed
- Increased cost
- Takes more time to make
sure margins are free of cancer
- Activity restriction after surgery if
skin graft or flap is needed
| CreditsByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerAmy McMichael, MD - Dermatology Current as of:
May 3, 2017 Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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