Chemotherapy For Skin Cancer
When it comes to cancer there is always a question that many ask, can chemotherapy cure cancer? And the answer is both. This typically depends on the type and stage of the cancer.
Chemotherapy helps eliminate cancer cells that are rapidly growing in the body. Like all cancer chemotherapy is used in treating skin cancer, but more aggressive forms of skin cancer, including melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma, typically necessitate more comprehensive treatment approaches, which may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. A team of multidisciplinary medical professionals will address the inquiries and suggest treatment alternatives tailored to the individual-specific diagnosis.
Here we will get to learn how chemotherapy is used in treating skin cancers, what types of chemo-drugs are given to patients, and the potential side effects of chemotherapy for skin cancer patients.
Before we delve into the subject let us know about chemotherapy and why it is used in treating cancer.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy refers to a medical treatment that employs potent chemicals to eliminate rapidly dividing cells within the body.
This treatment is primarily utilized for cancer management, as cancerous cells proliferate at a significantly faster rate than the majority of normal cells. A diverse array of chemotherapy agents exists, which can be administered individually or in combination to address various forms of cancer.
While chemotherapy is recognized as an effective approach for treating numerous cancer types, it is important to acknowledge that this treatment may also lead to a range of side effects. Some of these side effects may be mild and manageable, whereas others have the potential to result in severe complications. Learn more about Skin Cancer Treatment cost in India.
Why is it Used in Treating Cancer?
Chemotherapy is employed to eliminate cancer cells in individuals diagnosed with cancer. There are several contexts in which chemotherapy may be administered to cancer patients:
- To eradicate the cancer without the need for additional treatments. Chemotherapy can serve as the primary or exclusive treatment for cancer.
- Following other treatments, to target residual cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be utilized after procedures like surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells in the body. This approach is referred to as adjuvant therapy by medical professionals.
- To facilitate subsequent treatments. Chemotherapy can be applied to reduce the size of a tumor, making it feasible for other interventions, such as radiation and surgery. This is known as neoadjuvant therapy in medical terminology.
- To alleviate symptoms and discomfort. Chemotherapy may assist in relieving the signs and symptoms associated with cancer by targeting and killing certain cancer cells. This is termed palliative chemotherapy by healthcare providers.
When is Chemotherapy for Skin Cancer Used?
Chemotherapy for skin cancer used due to the following reasons:
- Advanced Stages: Chemotherapy is used in skin cancer as typically reserved for cases where the cancer has spread all over the body other than the skin.
- Melanoma: Chemotherapy is most commonly used in treating advanced melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer in the body.
- Non-Melanoma Cases: Occasionally, chemotherapy is employed for advanced cases of basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
- Adjuvant Therapy: Sometimes, it’s used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells in the body.
What are The Different Types of Chemo Used in Treating Skin Cancer?
There are three types of chemotherapy used in treating skin cancer cells in the body:
- Systemic Chemotherapy: These drugs are administered intravenously or orally, circulating throughout the body to kill cancer that has spread in the body.
- Regional Chemotherapy: Regional chemo drugs are directed to specific areas, like isolated limb perfusion for melanomas on arms or legs.
- Topical Chemotherapy: For very early-stage or superficial skin cancers, chemotherapy creams may be applied directly to the skin.
What Steps Are Done to Administer Chemotherapy For Skin Cancer?
A skin specialist or oncologist will first evaluate the patient’s skin condition and review the test results prior to recommending chemotherapy. This assessment is essential for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the condition and determining the appropriate treatment steps for addressing skin cancer. The following are the steps a healthcare professional will take before and after advising a patient to proceed with chemotherapy.
- Assessment: Your oncologist will determine if chemotherapy for skin cancer is appropriate for your case.
- Treatment Plan: A regimen is designed, specifying drugs, dosages, and schedule.
- Administration: Chemotherapy is typically given in cycles, with treatment periods followed by rest periods.
- Monitoring: Regular check-ups and tests evaluate the treatment’s effectiveness and manage side effects.
What are the Potential Side Effects of Chemotherapy for Skin Cancer?
Chemotherapy medications may lead to various side effects, which are influenced by the specific type and dosage of the drugs administered, as well as the duration of the treatment. Common side effects associated with chemotherapy include:
– Hair loss
– Oral sores
– Decreased appetite
– Nausea and vomiting
– Diarrhea or constipation
– Heightened susceptibility to infections due to a reduction in white blood cells
– Increased tendency to bruise or bleed resulting from a low platelet count
– Fatigue stemming from a deficiency in red blood cells
Typically, these side effects resolve after the completion of treatment. It is important to note that some medications may produce additional side effects not mentioned here; therefore, it is advisable to consult with your oncology care team regarding potential expectations.
There are often strategies available to mitigate these side effects. For instance, medications can be prescribed to help alleviate nausea and vomiting. It is essential to inform your healthcare team about any side effects or changes you experience during chemotherapy so that they can be addressed in a timely manner.
Bottom Line
Chemotherapy is not always the first line of treatment for treating cancer cell but it remains an important tool in fighting advanced cancer cases. As research progresses, there is more hope and there are far more effective and less toxic chemotherapy options for skin cancer patients. Its always the best to consult with a qualified oncologist to determine the best treatment plan for your specific case.
