What are the Treatments for Skin Cancer?

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Treatment of different types of skin cancer will depend on the location of the cancer cells and the progress of the condition. Among the most common skin cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, treatment is often more effective with early detection. Some treatments might include surgery, laser therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, topical treatments, biological therapy, and photodynamic therapy.

If left untreated, the cancer cells can affect the surrounding tissue and metastasize, especially if the individual has chronic inflammatory skin issues.

Squamous and Basal Cell Carcinomas

The recommended treatments for squamous and basal cell carcinomas include the following:

  • Excision is the removal of the abnormal growth so that the sample can be sent to a laboratory to confirm that it is cancerous. Scarring is also treated after the procedure depending on the size of the removed tumor.
  • Topical Medications such as imiquimod and 5-flourouracil may be recommended, but the side-effects are considered before the doctor can hand a prescription.
  • Mohs Surgery is the removal of the visible tumor and the thin layer of tissue surrounding it. The procedure is repeated if there are cancer cells in the surrounding tissue, making sure to leave as many healthy tissues as possible.
  • Cryosurgery is the destruction of the tumor using frozen liquid nitrogen without cutting the lesion. However, it’s not recommended for invasive-type squamous cell cancer and will need several sessions before the patient is declared free from cancer.
  • Curettage and Electrodessication is recommended for small lesions by scraping off the tumor with a curette then burning the affected area with a needle.
  • Radiation is a therapy that uses X-ray beams on the tumors to destroy the cancer cells.
  • Photodynamic Therapy is recommended on growths found on the scalp or the face. The light will destroy only the cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue.
  • Targeted Therapy is recommended for advanced stages of basal cell carcinomas if it can’t be treated with radiation therapy and surgery. The patient is given targeted drugs such as sonidegib and vismodegib so that the abnormal growths will shrink.

Melanomas

Treatment of melanoma will usually depend on the stage and location of the cancer.

  • Stage 0 melanomas often require wide excision surgery or if it’s not possible, radiation therapy and the application of imiquimod cream.
  • Stage 1 melanoma is also treated with wide excision surgery on the affected area, as well as sentinel lymph node biopsy and dissection and adjuvant treatment after the procedure.
  • Stage 2 melanoma is also treated with wide excision surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy and dissection, interferon treatment after surgery, and other medications.
  • Stage 3 melanoma requires wide excision surgery, lymph node dissection, interferon therapy, radiation therapy, removal of lymph vessels, vaccines and other medications, isolated limb perfusion, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.
  • Stage 4 melanoma will require removal of affected areas such as enlarged lymph nodes and skin tumors. If some organs are already affected, the individual will need radiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy.

Diet Guide for Diabetics

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One of the most difficult experiences of a diabetic is choosing the right food to eat. There are so many restrictions to the diet that some patients feel deprived of the good stuff. However, once you understand what you are getting from your food, it will be easier to choose the ingredients and to prepare the food.

Healthy Eating Tips

  • Consult your team of doctors if you’re planning to start a new diet or if you need a new diet plan
  • Don’t skip meals if you’re trying to lose weight, instead, eat regular meals evenly spaced out everyday
  • You might need snacks in between meals if you are taking insulin
  • Generally, you are advised to eat avoid meals that are high in fats and sodium
  • No single diet plan will work for everyone, and even children and adults with diabetes have different needs
  • Remember these three nutrients that will impact your blood glucose levels: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
  • Always choose non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean meat, poultry, and fish

Counting Carbohydrates

One of the most important considerations to keep in mind is the amount of energy that you will burn and the matching amount of food taken daily. The effect of carbohydrates on your body will depend on the type and the amount of carbohydrates.

That doesn’t mean, however, that you should avoid carbohydrates completely, but you should maintain your energy levels with the right amount of carbohydrates. Doctors will usually advise you to pick food that have low glycemic index (or the duration of the digestion of carbohydrates to glucose), but are high in fiber content.

Fats

You will be advised to limit your fat intake, because it increases the chances of gaining weight even if it will not directly affect your blood sugar level. You’re not supposed to go for a fat-free diet either, because fats can help you to control the feeling of hunger. You will be advised to avoid animal fat, and pick monounsaturated fats instead.

Protein

Your body needs protein to repair itself, so don’t worry about avoiding your favorite cheese or meat, because proteins can’t break down into glucose and affect your blood sugar level. As long as you don’t have allergies and food intolerances, you can still eat eggs, fish, tofu, seeds and nuts, milk, lentils, legumes, and yoghurt.

Sugar

You don’t necessarily need to avoid sugar, but you need to be careful about its sources, such as added sugars and alternative sweeteners. You can occasionally have high-sugar food, but you should limit these snacks to not more than 3 times a week.

Alcohol and Sweet Drinks

You can still drink alcoholic beverages and sweet drinks as long as your doctor permits it. Limit alcohol to not more than 2 glasses per day and your sweet drinks to low joule or diet types. Beverages such as coffee, tea, herbal tea, and soda water are okay as long as you don’t use artificial sweeteners.