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
Dr. Aldahan is a fantastic doctor with a great bedside manner. Highly recommended. Will be back to see him again for myself and my son.
I had a great experience with Dr. Adam! He was very professional, friendly, and made me feel comfortable throughout the entire visit. The staff treated me with kindness and respect, and everything was handled smoothly from check-in to checkout. Dr. Adam also took the time to explain my skin concerns clearly and even prescribed his own line of skincare products, which I’m really excited to try out. I definitely recommend this office to anyone looking for quality dermatological care.
I had a lipoma removed by Dr. Aldahan, and the entire experience was outstanding. From scheduling the appointment, to them checking if the accept my insurance, it was perfect. Not only was he professional, kind, and reassuring throughout the procedure, but the staff was also absolutely wonderful—friendly, attentive, and welcoming from start to finish. The removal itself was quick, virtually painless, and professionally done.
I has my first visit with Dr. Aldahan, the medical assistants were polite and accommodating, the office was modern, clean and brand new. Dr. Aldahan bedside manner was great, he took his time to understand my patient history and make recommendations. Suffice to say, I've decided to change my provider I had for many years and see this group moving forward.
I had a lipoma removed by Dr. Aldahan, and the entire experience was outstanding. From scheduling the appointment, to them checking my insurance it was perfect. Not only was he professional, kind, and reassuring throughout the procedure, but the staff was also absolutely wonderful—friendly, attentive, and welcoming from start to finish. The removal itself was quick, virtually painless, and professionally done.
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Total Reviews
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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.