Skin cancer is a serious problem among Americans. This is one of the few forms of cancer that has seen an increase in numbers in the past few years. While other serious types of cancers have continued to decrease, skin cancer, both melanoma and non-melanoma types have continued to rise.1 Individuals, young and old, are ignoring the warnings of scientific researchers and medical professionals. They continue to go outside uncovered.
Exposure to the strong ultraviolet rays of the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer. It affects you particularly if you are fair skinned, blue or green-eyed and have a family history of sunburn. If you burned easily as a child, do not make the mistake you are used to it and will not get skin cancer. This is but another warning to put on protective sun cream or lotion.
Treating Cancer Topically 
If you do fall prey to cancer, there are various ways to stop it from spreading. There are different means of ridding your body of cancer cells. These do not always involve invasive surgery. It is also possible, if your skin cancer is in the early stages to not have to go through the well-known procedures of chemotherapy or radiation. One of the ways medical professions can treat certain kinds of skin cancer is through topical treatments.
The term “topical treatment” does not refer to a subject or topic. It indicates that the treatment involves the application of an external cream, ointment or unguent to the affected area of your skin. This is an easy and effective way to treat certain kinds and stages of skin cancer.2
What Types of Topical Treatments are Available?
There are two basic types of topical cancer treatments. These are those that work to prevent skin cancer and those that decrease the spread of the tumor and may actually kill off all the tumor cells. Both types of application are currently in use. Some use traditional forms of medicated drugs; some consist of alternative medicines; and still others are a combination of both types of products. In certain instances, the term applied to topical drug treatment of skin cancer is topical chemotherapy.
Several studies have explored the various creams and lotions capable of reducing or destroying cancer cells. Research indicated that imiquimod proved to be effective. Research has also been done on Tezarotene.3 In fact, the Silymarin has also proven to be successful. Research indicates it may be useful as a preventive weapon against the formation of skin cancer cells. In practice, two specific drugs are used regularly as topical applications. These are:
- Fluorouracil or 5-FU – This is a drug applied topically to treat basal and squamous cell cancers in the earlier stages
- Imiquimod – This is a drug designed to topically treat basal cell cancer in its early stages.
The list is continuing to increase with other products, including ones containing vitamin D and various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Trials are ongoing.
The Process
Essentially, the procedure is a very simple one. It is also more effective if the skin cancer is caught in the early stages of development.4 It is used specifically in non-melanoma cancers. The medical professional applies an anti-cancer drug of a select variety directly to the skin affected by the cancer cells. You are then instructed how to apply the cream. The process continues daily for several weeks. The cancer growth is monitored for any changes.
What do Topical Drugs do?
Topical creams and lotions work by entering the top layers of the skin. This is why the cancer must be in its early stages. If skin cancer has managed to spread and penetrate deeper layers of the skin, topical ointment will be ineffective. It may, however, be used with other forms of treatment.
When the cream enters the skin the drugs it contains seek out and destroy the melanoma or non-melanoma cells. The ideal type of topical cream will not only effectively destroy the melanoma or non-melanoma cancer cells, it will not harm or have very little effect on the normal cells.
Possible Side-effects
There are several advantages to using a topical treatment. It is left in your hands to apply. As a result, you do not have to visit the doctor’s office on a daily or even weekly basis. This provides you with a feeling of involvement in your own treatment which can help you retain a sense of control over the cancer in your body.
Yet, with the advantages come certain possible side-effects that may affect your continued use of the drugs. Among the most common are:
- Red skin
- Swelling of the skin
- Itchy skin
- Oozing of the affected skin area
- Increased sun sensitivity5
Fortunately, the problem should vanish after the round of treatment is completed. Your skin should return to its normal pre-treatment and even pre-cancer condition. If, however, for some reason, your skin continues to react badly or the normal skin also becomes affected by any of these side-effects, talk to your doctor. It may be necessary for you to stop the topical treatment of your skin cancer. If this is the case, you may be able to try another type of cream or lotion. It may also be necessary for you to consider a different type of treatment.
References
1 American Cancer Society (2011). “Skin Cancer – Basal and Squamous Cell” Retrieved from www.cancer.org/Cancer/SkinCancer-BasalandSquamousCell/DetailedGuide/skin-cancer-basal-and-squamous-cell-key-statistics
2 Sarg, M. S. and Gross, A. D. (2007). The Cancer Dictionary Third Edition. New York: Checkmark Books.
3 National Cancer Institute (2011). “Topical Tazarotene in Treating Patients With Basal Cell Skin Cancer and Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome on the Face.” Retrieved from www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search/view?cdrid=551655&version=Patient&protocolsearchid=6438868
4 National Cancer Institute (2011). “What you need to know about Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers.” Retrieved from www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/skin/page10
5 Ibid.
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