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Skin cancer is a common disease, which occurs when the cells on the surface of the skin begin to grow abnormally. At times though, the cancer can also develop in those areas of the skin that are not exposed to sunlight. Skin cancer is usually of three types - melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cells carcinoma. While anyone can suffer from this skin disease, some of the factors that could increase your risks of developing it include -

• Family or personal history of skin cancer
• Excessive exposure to the harmful rays of the sun or substances like arsenic
• Having fair skin, especially if you freckle or sunburn easily
• Living at high altitudes or in sunny climates
• Appearance of large, abnormal moles called dysplastic nevi on the skin
• Weakened immune system caused by health problems or use of certain drugs
• Radiation exposure, probably while undergoing treatment for other conditions

You could reduce your chances of developing skin cancer by avoiding excess exposure to radiation. Also consult a doctor or a dermatologist immediately, if you notice any suspicious changes in the appearance of your skin. Detecting and treating skin cancer in the earlier stages gives you a better chance of fighting this disease off.

The treatment for skin cancer may vary, depending upon its type and severity. Some of the options include -

• Cryosurgery, where the actinic keratosis are frozen with liquid nitrogen
• Excisional surgery
• Laser therapy
• Mohs surgery
• Curettage & electrodessication
• Radiation therapy
• Photodynamic therapy
• Biological therapy

Chemotherapy is also usually recommended for treating this condition. In case the disease is limited to the top layer of the skin, your doctor may advise you to undergo topical chemotherapy for skin cancer, in which the lotions or creams containing anti-cancer agents are applied to the skin. This option is usually considered for treating basal cell carcinoma and superficial squamous cell carcinoma. It is often used when the number of cancerous cells is too large for surgery.

The topical chemotherapy procedure is quite simple. You just need to apply the prescribed cream once or twice a day, as advised by your doctor. For best results, put a waterproof dressing over the cream, if possible.

While topical chemotherapy creams do not leave a scar, they could cause your skin to become red or itchy. Some of the other side effects that are associated with topical chemotherapy for skin cancer include -

• Development of a rash
• Swelling of the skin
• Oozing
• Increased sensitivity, especially towards the sun
• Sores
• Severe itching

Most of these skin changes are temporary and they go away once your treatment is over. If your skin turns raw and inflamed during the treatment, your doctor may need to stop topical chemotherapy and look at other options.

However, never stop topical chemotherapy for skin cancer on your own, without first checking with your doctor.

References

• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/skin-cancer/DS00190/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs