Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early. The most common treatments include surgical excision, Mohs surgery, cryotherapy, topical medications, and radiation. Your dermatologist will recommend a treatment based on the type of skin cancer you have, its size, depth, and location on the body. Got a suspicious mole? BOOK A CONSULTATION with a board-certified dermatologist today.
What Is Skin Cancer Treatment?
Skin cancer treatment is the process of removing or destroying cancerous cells on the skin. The goal is to eliminate the cancer while preserving healthy tissue and reducing the risk of it coming back. Treatment depends on several factors: the type of skin cancer (like basal cell, squamous cell, or melanoma), how deep it is, where it’s located, and your overall health.
Most treatments are outpatient and done with local anesthesia. Some involve surgery, while others use creams, freezing, or targeted radiation. Your dermatologist will recommend the best option that’s specific to your case.
Skin Cancer Treatments Available at Skin Cancer Specialists Houston
There are many ways to treat skin cancer, depending on your diagnosis and your doctor’s plan. Here are six treatments your dermatologist might consider:
Surgical Excision
A simple surgical excision is one of the most common treatments for basal and squamous cell carcinoma. It’s used when the tumor is well-defined and located in an area where a small scar is acceptable. Surgical excision has a high cure rate when caught early.
The procedure involves numbing the area, cutting out the cancer along with a margin of healthy skin, and sending the tissue to a lab to confirm that all cancer cells are gone. It’s a quick outpatient procedure, usually done in under an hour. Recovery is straightforward. Stitches come out in about a week, and most people resume normal activity within a couple of days.
Scarring depends on the size and location of the excision, as well as your body’s healing response. While dermatologists take steps to minimize scarring, results can vary from person to person.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is a precise treatment used for skin cancers in high-risk or delicate areas like the face, ears, hands, or genitals. It’s ideal for basal and squamous cell carcinomas with irregular borders, large size, or those that have returned after treatment.
The procedure is done in stages. Your dermatologist removes the visible cancer layer by layer, examining each one under a microscope until no cancer cells remain. This approach preserves as much healthy skin as possible while ensuring complete removal. Recovery is similar to surgical excision, but since more tissue is saved, cosmetic outcomes are often better.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy treats skin cancer by freezing and destroying abnormal cells using liquid nitrogen. It’s most often used for precancerous lesions (like actinic keratoses) and superficial skin cancers, especially when surgery isn’t necessary or ideal.
The treatment is quick and done in-office. Liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the lesion using a spray or cotton swab. The area blisters, scabs, and eventually falls off over the next 1–2 weeks. There’s no cutting or stitches involved, but you may experience mild pain, swelling, or temporary skin discoloration.
Topical Medications
Topical treatments are prescription creams or gels that treat superficial basal cell carcinomas and precancerous lesions without surgery. Common options include imiquimod (stimulates your immune system) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (destroys abnormal cells).
You’ll apply the cream at home, usually for several weeks. During treatment, the area may become red, irritated, or crusty as the medication works. It’s a non-invasive option, but not right for deeper or aggressive cancers. Your dermatologist will decide if it’s a fit based on the type and location of the lesion.
Radiation
Radiation uses targeted beams of energy to destroy cancer cells. It’s often used for skin cancers that can’t be removed surgically, for older patients who aren’t good candidates for surgery, or when the cancer is in a hard-to-treat area.
Treatment usually involves multiple sessions over a few weeks. It’s painless during the procedure, but side effects like redness, peeling, or fatigue can develop over time. Radiation is highly effective, especially for basal and squamous cell carcinomas, but it’s rarely the first option for younger patients due to long-term skin changes.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy isn’t a first-line treatment for most skin cancers, but it’s sometimes used in advanced or metastatic cases, especially melanoma. It works by using cancer-killing drugs that travel through the bloodstream or are applied directly to the skin.
Topical chemo, like 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), is used for superficial skin cancers and precancerous spots. Systemic chemo, given by IV or pills, is reserved for rare cases when the cancer has spread beyond the skin. It’s less common today due to the rise of targeted therapies and immunotherapy, which are often more effective with fewer side effects.
Is Skin Cancer Treatment Expensive?
Costs vary widely depending on the type of cancer, treatment method, and whether you have insurance. In-office treatments like cryotherapy or topical creams are generally lower cost. Surgical options like excision or Mohs surgery can cost more, especially if pathology or reconstruction is needed.
If you’re uninsured or facing a complex case like melanoma, costs can add up quickly. Most insurance plans cover medically necessary skin cancer treatments, but it’s always best to check coverage details in advance.
What Doctor Do You Go To for Skin Cancer?
The first doctor to see for any suspicious spot is a board-certified dermatologist. They specialize in diagnosing and treating skin cancer and can perform biopsies, excisions, cryotherapy, and prescribe topical treatments. Many also offer Mohs surgery if your case qualifies.
If your skin cancer is aggressive, has spread, or is melanoma, your dermatologist may refer you to a medical oncologist or surgical oncologist for further care. In some cases, a radiation oncologist may be involved, too.
When choosing a doctor, look for:
- A board-certified dermatologist who specializes in skin cancer treatments
- A clinic that offers on-site pathology (for fast, accurate results)
- Clear communication and a treatment plan tailored to your case
Book a Consultation at Skin Cancer Specialists Houston.
Combined with precision and personalized care, Dr. Tarek M. Fakhouri at Skin Cancer Specialists offers the most advanced skin cancer treatments in Texas. Apart from being a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Fakhouri served as the Director of Mohs Surgery at Wayne State University’s Department of Dermatology.
Don’t wait. Call us to schedule your consultation today. We have four convenient locations to serve you: Sugar Land, Memorial, Katy, and Conroe, TX.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of skin cancer?
The most common signs include new spots that look different from others, sores that don’t heal, or changes in moles, like irregular borders, uneven color, or rapid growth. If something looks off, get it checked as early as possible.
Is skin cancer curable?
Yes. Most skin cancers, especially basal and squamous cell carcinomas, are highly curable when caught early. Even melanoma can be treated effectively if diagnosed before it spreads.
Does skin cancer treatment leave a scar?
Treatments like surgical excision or Mohs surgery can leave a scar. The size depends on how deep or large the tumor is. Dermatologists use techniques to help achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome, but scarring varies based on the treatment site, tumor characteristics, and individual healing.
Which doctor to consult for skin cancer?
Start with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Fakhouri. For complex cases, you may be referred to a Mohs surgeon or oncologist.
Can you get skin cancer treatment without surgery?
In very specific cases, yes, it’s possible, but it depends on the type, depth, and location of the skin cancer. Non-surgical treatments like topical medication, cryotherapy, or radiation therapy may be considered for superficial or early-stage skin cancers or when surgery poses higher risks than benefits.
Surgery, including standard excision and Mohs surgery, remains the first-line for many skin cancers, especially those that are invasive, large, recur, or located in cosmetically sensitive areas. Dr. Fakhouri will determine if a non-surgical approach is appropriate for your specific case during your consultation.
Does insurance cover skin cancer treatment?
Most health insurance plans cover medically necessary skin cancer treatments. However, coverage for specific procedures or medications may vary, so it’s best to check with your provider ahead of time.
