Skin cancer is the most common form of cancers which occurs when the cells of the skin grow in an abnormal way. The common warning sign of skin cancer is the change in the appearance of the skin like the growth on the skin that will not heal, discolorations or sores and such changes should evaluated by a doctor. The treatment for skin cancer will depend on the severity of the condition.
Treatments for Skin Cancer and their Side Effects
Chemotherapy:
It is a form of treatment in which the patient takes one or more drugs that kills cancer cells without surgery. Topical chemotherapy drugs are used to treat skin cancer. For patients with melanoma this treatment is used when there is high risk of melanoma spreading.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy:
Side effects of chemotherapy include infection, fatigue, nausea, nerve damage causing alterations in sensation and hair loss. The side effects of chemotherapy vary with individuals and the dose used by them and might disappear once the treatment is complete.
Immunotherapy:
This treatment is also called as biological treatment and it helps the body’s immune system to find and attack cancer cells. The treatment is commonly used to treat melanoma and to reduce the risk of it to recur.
Side effects of Immunotherapy: Side effects of immunotherapy includes irritation of skin, headaches, fatigue, fever, muscle pain, change in blood pressure and increased fluid formation in the lungs.
Radiation Therapy:
This therapy involves the use of high-energy rays like x-rays or other particles to kill cancer cells. The treatment is mostly used to cure the symptoms that occurs due to the spread of melanoma and also used when cancer is spread to the lymph nodes.
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy:
It causes fatigue, skin irritation, hair loss and nausea. It might result in altered taste and dry mouth if the therapy is used around head and neck. The side effects may disappear once the treatment is complete.