Argumentative Essay: Nonsurgic Treatments For Skin Cancer

Many people who have skin cancer require surgery for effective initial treatment. However, there are several other nonsurgical options may be considered for the treatment of squamous cell and basal cell skin cancers such as topical medications, radiation therapy and photodynamic therapy. According to Dr. Anna Bar an Assistant Professor of Dermatologic Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University, there continues to be progress in nonsurgical treatments for skin cancer that are useful for people who, for whatever reasons, cannot undergo surgery. They are especially useful if the squamous or basal cell carcinoma is diagnosed in the early stages. However, she also states that these procedures have not been studied as thoroughly as surgery.
This gel soaks into the cancer cells and makes them sensitive to certain wavelength of light. The cancer cells absorb more of the gel than other cells, so when the light is applied to the area it interacts with the drug in the gel and destroys the cancer cells.

Photodynamic therapy has been approved in the U.S. for the treatment of some types of actinic keratosis that develop on the scalp and face. However, it has not been approved for the treatment of squamous and basal cell carcinoma. There have been studies that show photodynamic therapy as a good treatment for early stage squamous cell as well as for treatment for lesions in hard-to-treat areas of the body. The side effects include burning or stinging during the treatment. The benefits include a good cosmetic result and the ability to treat large areas of skin.

When you have a consultation with our specialist, your skin issues may be diagnosed. If you have the beginning stages of skin cancer, the proper treatment may be recommended. It is important to get a diagnosis as early as possible, because early detection may mean a nonsurgical treatment may be your best