Treatments and Therapies for Skin Cancer

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At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, we view treatment as a collaborative effort. Your Fred Hutch providers will explain all your options and recommend a treatment plan based on the type, location, size and stage of your skin cancer and your overall health.

Fred Hutch offers comprehensive skin cancer care at the Skin Oncology Clinic, including advanced treatments and new options available only through clinical trials (also called clinical studies).

Skin Cancer Care Tailored to You

You and your family are our top priority. At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, we offer comprehensive and compassionate care — personalized to you. You'll have access to the latest treatment options, clinical trials and supportive care services. 

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How We Treat Skin Cancer at Fred Hutch 

Surgery

Surgery is a common treatment for skin cancer, but the right approach for you depends on the type and stage of your cancer. Different surgical procedures may be recommended based on your needs.

Learn About Surgery for Skin Cancer

Radiation Therapy

If you have skin cancer that is hard to treat with surgery because of where it is located, such as cancer on your eyelid, or the tip of your nose or your ear, you may need radiation therapy. Radiation for skin cancer uses high-energy rays or other particles that can be precisely targeted at the cancer cells.

Learn About Radiation for Melanoma

Topical Chemotherapy

Topical chemotherapy is a cream or lotion used to treat skin cancer that’s only on the top layer of the skin. It’s also used to treat precancerous skin conditions. These medicines are usually applied daily for several weeks. Topical chemotherapy may cause inflammation, but it goes away after treatment.

Other Treatments

Imiquimod (Aldara) is another type of topical skin cancer treatment. It uses the body’s own immune system to treat early basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis and very thin squamous cell carcinoma.

Treatment for Advanced Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

In rare cases, squamous cell skin cancer can grow deeper into the skin and can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body that are more likely to be inflamed, like the mucous membranes and the lips. Surgery alone is not effective in cases like these. Instead, the treatment may include a combination of therapies, such as topical chemotherapy, radiation therapy or immunotherapy (which boosts the body’s immune system so it can fight cancer).

Treatment for Melanoma

Our dedicated melanoma section includes details about treatment options for this disease.

Learn More About Treatment Options for Melanoma

Treatment for Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Our dedicated Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) section includes details about treatment options for this disease.

Learn More About Treatment Options for MCC

Why Choose Fred Hutch for Skin Cancer Treatment 

At Fred Hutch, we understand this may be one of the most intense and challenging experiences you and your family ever go through. We are here to provide the care you need.  

Team-Based Care from Specialists

Fred Hutch has medical oncologists, dermatologists and pathologists who specialize in skin cancers. We offer the most advanced diagnostic, treatment and recovery programs. Along with treating your cancer, we also offer a range of services to support you and your caregiver. This is part of how we take care of you — not just your disease. From registered dietitians to Spiritual Health clinicians to social workers, our experts know how to care for people with skin cancer.

Treatment Tailored to You

We view skin cancer treatment as a collaborative effort. Your Fred Hutch providers will explain all your options and recommend a skin cancer treatment plan based on the type, location, size and stage of your cancer as well as your overall health. Our physicians are experts in the full spectrum of skin cancer treatments, including immunotherapies (such as checkpoint inhibitors), cryosurgery, laser therapy, curettage and electrodessication, Mohs surgery, radiation therapy and topical chemotherapy.

Clinical Trials to Improve Outcomes

Many of our patients receive promising therapies by taking part in skin cancer clinical trials. These research studies are done by physician-scientists from Fred Hutch and UW Medicine. They test new treatments or new ways to use current treatments. Every advance in cancer treatment in recent years has come out of clinical trials. Through the Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children's Cancer Consortium, we typically have more than 750 active clinical trials, which means more treatment options for people like you.

Skin Cancer Treatment FAQ

The most effective treatment for skin cancer depends on the type of skin cancer and the stage the cancer is at. However, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are typically treated with surgery, as is early-stage melanoma.

No, there is no such thing as nonmalignant (noncancerous) skin cancer. All forms of the disease are malignant (cancerous).

Fred Hutch offers all standard treatment for melanoma. Our patients also have access to newer options or treatment combinations that you can only get through clinical trials.