Effective treatments options for skin cancer
Learn about recent advancements and newer therapies that are safe and making a difference.
Jan 18, 2026
Written byJameson Kowalczyk
1 / 5
Slide 1
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with skin cancer, either recently or in the past, one of your biggest questions is probably, "What are the treatment options?"
The good news: In recent years, scientists have developed new therapies that are helping people fight skin cancer and live longer.
Treatment plans often depend on the type, stage, and location of the cancer. Options can range from minor surgery for early-stage cancers to targeted therapies and immunotherapies for more advanced disease.
Here's a review of treatment options you can discuss with your healthcare provider (HCP).
Sources (14)
- American Cancer Society. Surgery for Melanoma Skin Cancer. Page last updated October 27, 2023.
- American Cancer Society. Surgery for Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers. Page last updated October 31, 2023.
- American Cancer Society. Surgery for Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Page last updated May 30, 2024.
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Lymph node. Page accessed September 24, 2024.
- Combalia A, Carrera C. Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Update on Diagnosis and Treatment. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2020;10(3):e2020066. Published 2020 Jun 29.
- Willenbrink TJ, Ruiz ES, et al. Field cancerization: Definition, epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;83(3):709-717.
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: electrocoagulation. Page accessed September 24, 2024.
- American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). Cryosurgery for Skin Cancer. Page accessed September 24, 2024.
- American Cancer Society. Targeted Therapy Drugs for Melanoma Skin Cancer. Page last updated October 27, 2023.
- American Cancer Society. Targeted Therapy for Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers. Page last updated October 31, 2023.
- American Cancer Society. Immunotherapy for Advanced Basal or Squamous Cell Skin Cancers. Page last updated October 31, 2023.
- American Cancer Society. Immunotherapy for Melanoma Skin Cancer. Page last updated September 19, 2024.
- American Cancer Society. Chemotherapy for Melanoma Skin Cancer. Page last updated October 27, 2024.
- American Cancer Society. Radiation Therapy for Melanoma Skin Cancer. Page last updated October 27, 2024.