Skin cancers have traditionally been treated with surgical excision. This is the most effective treatment option, but over the last few decades non-surgical treatments have become available. These include cryotherapy, topical fluorouracil and imiquimod creams, and photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate hydrochloride.
Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy is the primary treatment for solar keratoses in Australia. Most solar keratoses are treated with a short (2–5 seconds) freeze. This effectively removes about 70% of all solar keratoses treated.
Photodynamic therapy In Australia
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Photodynamic therapy with red light and methyl aminolevulinate hydrochloride has been approved as a treatment for Bowen’s disease, solar keratoses and basal cell carcinoma. Efficacy rates are around 80–85%.
Fluorouracil cream (5%) This has been available for over 30 years. It is used twice a day for three weeks as a treatment for multiple solar keratoses, particularly on the head and scalp areas. The cream usually produces significant inflammation that will take 1–2 weeks to settle.
Imiquimod(Aldara) and Diclofenac ( Solaraze) as well as Picato Gel are examples of other creams or gels used to treat solar keratoses.
Imiquimod(Aldara) is also used to treat superficial basal cell carcinomas on the face.