title: Principles of management of basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
abstract: There are a number of options available to the physician for the primary management of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. The most commonly used treatment modalities are primary resection, radiation therapy, and Mohs' micrographic surgery. Although each of these modalities can be used to treat most skin cancers in a variety of settings, each of these forms of cancer treatment is more appropriate in some settings and less appropriate in others. The role of each mode of therapy is discussed, based on effectiveness for cure, short and long term side effects, and cost of treatment. The appropriate role of the physician treating skin carcinoma is to choose the most effective treatment based on the above criteria and not to make the tumor fit any particular treatment modality.
authors: Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences, Memphis.
authors: I D
authors: ID
authors: Fleming
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Amonette
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Monaghan
authors: M D
authors: MD
authors: Fleming
mesh_terms: D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000628:therapy; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011379:Prognosis; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*