Efudex (Fluorouracil) Skin Cancer Treatment

Cancer is, to most people, a scary word. But the truth about skin cancer, which is as common as all other cancers combined, is that in the vast majority of cases, it is not life-threatening and it is easily treated.

Please do not take anything on this site as medical advice, or as authoritative medical information. I am just repeating information that I have read or heard and believe to be true.

First, it is important do understand that there are (at least) three types of skin cancer:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC, sometime “sBCC” for superficial)
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
• Malignant Melanoma

The appearance, the treatment, and the prognosis can be very different from one type of skin cancer to another.

By far the most common form of skin cancer is basal cell. Basal Cell Carcinoma, sometimes called Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma, or SBCC, is a growth on the skin that won’t spread but will grow until it is surgically removed, either by freezing or by cutting.

The next most common form of skin cancer, squamous cell, is more serious. Much less common than basal cell, a squamous cell carcinoma can spread…in fact, I was surprised to read the other day that one fourth of skin cancer deaths are caused by squamous cell carcinomas, or SCCs.

Melanoma, of course, is the most feared. Melanoma can kill you, as I have seen first-hand, having lost two good friends to Melanoma. You should familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of melanoma and when in doubt, see a dermatologist (not just a family doctor) immediately.