Treatment for skin cancer

The main treatment for skin cancer is surgery. Depending on the size of your cancer and how far it has grown you might have a different treatment. Your doctor will talk through any possible treatments with you. 

The type of surgery you have depends on where the cancer is, how big it is and how deep.

Radiotherapy uses high energy waves similar to x-rays to kill cancer cells. It is a treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). 

Chemotherapy uses anti cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. You might have a chemotherapy cream to treat skin cancer.

Imiquimod cream uses your body’s natural defences to help kill cancer cells. Find out how you have it and what the side effects are.

Immunotherapy treatment uses your body’s natural defences (immune system) to help kill the skin cancer cells. 

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a drug and a special type of light to destroy skin cancer cells. 

Find out about the follow up you'll need after treatment for skin cancer.