What Is Topical Chemotherapy?
When skin cancer is found early, you have more treatment options. Topical chemotherapy is a common and effective way to treat superficial skin cancers that don't need surgery. This treatment involves applying a chemotherapy cream to the skin to target and destroy cancer cells in the upper layers. Dr. Adam Aldahan at Palm Beach Dermatology uses this cream to treat skin cancer, like superficial basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell skin cancers, and precancerous lesions like actinic keratosis. A key advantage is that it can be done at home. However, regular checkups are necessary to make sure the treatment is working, and the cancerous cells are being destroyed. To learn more about topical chemotherapy for skin cancer or other skin cancer treatments, contact Palm Beach Dermatology in Boca Raton, FL to schedule a consultation.
How Does Topical Chemotherapy Work?
In topical chemotherapy, patients apply the chemotherapy cream to the affected area, usually once or twice a day. The cream works over several weeks to kill cancer cells. It's most effective for superficial basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell skin cancers found in the top layers of the skin. The cream helps the body's immune system get rid of the abnormal cells. Some common side effects include redness, irritation, and sensitivity in the treated skin, but these are usually mild. Regular follow-ups help adjust the treatment if needed. The topical chemotherapy options we offer at Palm Beach Dermatology include:
- 5-fluorouracil
- Combination 5-fu + calcipotriene
- Imiquimod
- Diclofenac
What Are the Benefits of Topical Chemotherapy?
At Palm Beach Dermatology, topical chemotherapy is a nonsurgical intervention option for those who have skin cancer that is confirmed early on. A myriad of benefits of topical chemotherapy involve:
- Minimal scarring compared to surgical procedures for skin cancer
- No risk of nausea or losing your hair
- Normally an optimal choice to address skin cancer
- Simple and fast to utilize in the comfort of your home
- Local treatment placed directly on your skin
- No oral drugs or IVs necessary
Palm Beach Dermatology Reviews
If I could give 100 stars I would. After being discouraged from being told from many doctors I need a referral I reached out to PBD via email and the next morning I get a call from Diana asking when I can come in. I get an appointment within a day and the next week I got my tumor removed and I am cancer free and going to get stitches removed tomorrow. Dr Aldahan and all your staff are amazing and I am forever grateful for all you’ve done
Great Mohs experience - Experience was great! Dr. Aldahan was excellent and had great bedside manner. He walked me through my skin cancer treatments and put my mind at ease. My entire MOHS surgery experience went smoothly. The snacks in the waiting room were an added bonus. The office is clean and comfortable.
This guy's great, fabulous. One of the best dermatologists in Florida! Found a skin cancer and took care of it immediately with hardly any scar. The front desk staff was amazing.
Experience was great! Dr. Aldahan was excellent and had great bedside manner. He walked me through my skin cancer treatments and put my mind at ease. My entire MOHS surgery experience went smoothly. The snacks in the waiting room were an added bonus. The office is clean and comfortable.
I had a wonderful experience. From the moment I walked in I was greeted warmly with a genuine smile by Diana at the front desk. The office is beautiful and clean. When Dr. Aldahan walked in my fear and anxiety were immediately extinguished. He made me feel so comfortable and confident with his amicable demeanor and detailed explanations. I highly recommend Dr. Aldahan and his practice.
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Total Reviews
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Average Rating
Discover A New Way to Treat Cancer
Topical chemotherapy represents a powerful, noninvasive approach to treating certain superficial skin cancers. It's an especially effective treatment for patients looking to avoid the complications of surgery while still receiving targeted therapy to kill cancer cells in specific parts of the body. By destroying the cancerous cells in the top layers of the skin, topical chemotherapy plays a vital role in helping patients maintain healthy skin with minimal scarring. If you're diagnosed with precancerous cells or skin cancer in the top layers of your skin, discover a new way to treat skin cancer by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Adam Aldahan at Palm Beach Dermatology in Boca Raton, FL. Our team may be able to treat your skin cancer using chemotherapy cream, which you'll use in the privacy of your home.