Non-surgical treatments for skin cancer

Abstract

Skin cancers have traditionally been treated with surgical excision. This is the most effective treatment option, but over the last few decades non-surgical treatments have become available. These include cryotherapy, topical fluorouracil and imiquimod creams, and photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate hydrochloride. While they may sometimes have a superior cosmetic result, non-surgical treatments should not be used when the diagnosis is unclear or if follow-up is not assured.