Tests, Treatments & Therapies for Skin Cancer at the University of Colorado Cancer Center
At the University of Colorado Cancer Center, we use the most minimally invasive approach possible for both diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. We recognize that both work-up and management requires a multidisciplinary approach with numerous specialists working closely together.
We use both standard treatments and those being tested in clinical trials. You might consider participating in a trial, which are designed to improve current treatments or get information on new treatments. If a new treatment is proven better than the standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard treatment.
Staging and Detection Tests
Tests are only as good as the doctors who report and interpret them. That’s why our doctors-who work together as your care team-are the highest trained specialists in the state.
Once a cancer has been diagnosed, it is very important for doctors to find out where the cancer may have spread (the “stage” of the cancer) to determine the best possible treatment plan for you. To find out, doctors use staging tests, which include:
- Different types of scans
- Different ways to take tissue samples to look for tumor cells microscopically (biopsy tests)
Scans and other tests may also be used:
- In a “surveillance program” looking for any signs of relapse after treatment
- In a “screening program” to detect cancer early in individuals at high-risk
- To monitor responses to treatment
Tests
Skin examination – A doctor or nurse checks the skin for bumps or spots that look abnormal in color, size, shape, or texture.
Biopsy – All or part of the abnormal-looking growth is removed from the skin and viewed under a microscope by an expert skin pathologist to see if cancer cells are present. There are three main types of skin biopsies:
- Punch biopsy – A special instrument called a punch is used to remove a circle of tissue from the abnormal-looking growth.
- Excisional biopsy – scalpel is used to remove the entire growth.
Dermoscopy – A technique for viewing skin lesions to distinguish accurately between between suspicious moles and other pigmented lesions. A drop of mineral oil is placed on the lesion to reduce light reflection and make the skin more translucent.
- Using a dermoscope – the doctor can view the lesion down to the dermo-epidermal junction, the area where melanomas usually develop and that is not visible to the naked eye. Also known as epiluminescence microscopy.
Mole Mapping – A valuable tool that helps determine which moles need to be removed. A full-body photograph is taken and analyzed digitally to identify mole locations and different features in order to rate a mole’s potential. These images also are used to detect new moles and subtle changes in existing moles from visit to visit.
Surgery
Operations and procedures to remove skin cancer are done by doctors who specialize in the care of the skin (dermatologists) and plastic surgeons.
Mohs micrographic surgery – The tumor is cut from the skin in thin layers. During surgery, the edges of the tumor and each layer of tumor removed are viewed through a microscope to check for cancer cells. Layers continue to be removed until no more cancer cells are seen. This type of surgery removes as little normal tissue as possible and is often used on the face.
Simple excision – The tumor is cut from the skin along with some of the normal skin around it.
Shave excision – The abnormal area is shaved off the surface of the skin with a small blade.
Electrodesiccation and curettage – The tumor is cut from the skin with a curette (a sharp, spoon-shaped tool). A needle-shaped electrode is then used to treat the area with an electric current that stops the bleeding and destroys cancer cells that remain around the edge of the wound. The process may be repeated one to three times during the surgery to remove all of the cancer.
Cryosurgery – A treatment that uses an instrument to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue. It is also called cryotherapy.
Laser surgery – A surgical procedure that uses a laser beam (a narrow beam of intense light) as a knife to make bloodless cuts in tissue or to remove a surface lesion such as a tumor.
Dermabrasion – Removal of the top layer of skin using a rotating wheel or small particles to rub away skin cells.
Radiation Therapy (“Radiotherapy”)
Radiation therapy involves using X-rays and other types of medical radiation aimed at specific parts of the body to:
- Kill cancer cells
- Prevent cancer cells from developing or recurring
- Improve many of the symptoms caused by cancer
Radiation therapy can be:
- Used before surgery to make the operation easier (this is called “neoadjuvant” treatment)
- Used after surgery to reduce the chances of the cancer coming back (this is called “adjuvant treatment”)
- Almost as effective as surgery in people who are not fit enough for an operation
- Better than surgery when used together with chemotherapy for certain cancers (this is called “chemo-radiotherapy”)
Photodynamic Therapy
Treatment that uses a drug and a certain type of laser light to kill cancer cells. A drug that is not active until it is exposed to light is injected into a vein. The drug collects more in cancer cells than in normal cells.
For skin cancer, laser light is shined onto the skin and the drug becomes active and kills the cancer cells. Photodynamic therapy causes little damage to healthy tissue.
Clinical Trials
The goal of clinical research is to improve treatment outcomes and reduce treatment side effects or long-term toxicities. Clinical trials provide the latest treatments because they evaluate:
- New drugs
- New combinations of therapies
- New treatment delivery methods
Because we’re the Rocky Mountain region's only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center- one of only 39 in the United States-your treatment will always include the latest and most comprehensive care options.
Learn more about clinical trials at UCCC
New treatments being tested
Biologic Therapy – This new type of treatment uses the patient’s own immune system to fight cancer. Substances made by the body or in a laboratory are used to boost the body’s natural defenses against cancer. It also is called biotherapy or immunotherapy.