There are several treatments for precancerous lesions that can turn into squamous cell skin cancer. Some of these treatments may also be used if you have very early basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma.

Cryotherapy

The most common way to treat your pre-cancerous lesions is Cryotherapy. Liquid nitrogen is sprayed on the growth to freeze and destroy it. The treated area turns pink and forms a blister, which eventually peels off. This procedure is performed in the doctor’s office, and is considered a very effective treatment.

Topical Medications

We may use a cream that is a form of topical chemotherapy to destroy a large amount of pre-cancerous lesions. The cream may be useful if you have pre-cancerous growths covering the entire back of your hands or a section of your face. The medication may also be used to treat very early basal cell cancer. It can be applied daily at home for a number of weeks.

Another cream contains the immune-boosting medication Imiquimod. It may be prescribed to treat your pre-cancerous lesion or very early basal cell cancer. You apply Imiquimod to the lesion several times a week at home.

A gel containing a medication called Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), may be used to treat pre-cancerous lesions that you apply it to your skin twice a day for two to three months.

Ingenol Mebutate is a cytotoxic gel, (meaning it destroys fast-growing cells). It’s usually used for only two to three days.

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic Therapy may be used to treat pre-cancerous lesions on areas such as the scalp and face.  It’s a topical medication applied to the skin, which collects in precancerous cells, making them sensitive to light. It is then activated with a laser, which destroys the lesion.

During your consultation, we will discuss the right treatment option for you. Call us today.