New Thermosurgery Technology Offers Skin Cancer Treatment that is Easier on Patients and Produces Less Scarring
VA Medical Center in Phoenix First Facility to Use Technology after FDA Approval
PHOENIX - On the 4th of July many of us celebrate our independence with outdoor activities. In Arizona, that continued outdoor exposure can lead to skin cancer if you are not protecting yourself from the suns harmful rays. But now one treatment for skin cancer could be less painful, less time consuming and less disfiguring to patients.
The Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center and Clinics is pioneering the use of a new non-surgical technique to remove skin cancer lesions and is actually the first facility in the country to use the technology which recently received FDA approval. The Thermosurgery device was manufactured by Phoenix-based Thermosurgery Technologies, Inc. and is being used to treat basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer.
The hypothermia technology, approved by the FDA in February, uses localized heat that causes skin cancer tumor cells to die, but is not hot enough to burn the skin. Typically, treatment of skin cancer consists of surgery - either by cutting out the tumor or by scraping and burning it - and also may utilize radiation or chemotherapy. Standard surgical treatment can be a long, painful process for patients that results in significant scarring. Patients often require cosmetic surgery after removal of the tumors.
VA Medical Center patient John Shultz of Phoenix has had to endure repeated cutting and burning to treat his skins cancers. The retired Marine has had about 20 cancerous lesions removed - some recently with the hyperthermia technology. Shultz, who says he has a high tolerance for pain, describes the new technology as "a walk in the park," compared with surgical treatment.
"The (cutting and burning) is a lot more painful (after the procedure)," says Shultz. "This new treatment is much easier on the patient, and I think the areas are healing faster."
His doctor, Christopher Reardon, MD, Chief of Dermatology at the VA Medical Center, says the non-surgical removal of skin cancer tumors is especially beneficial for elderly and debilitated patients, and those who are on anticoagulant therapy, making surgery less desirable.
The device that delivers the hyperthermia treatment uses a hand-held applicator about the size of a ball-point pen, and has a tip with two metal prongs that is placed on the skin tumor. Similar to a microwave, the prongs generate a radiofrequency that heats the tumor to 120o F. Treatment of each tumor only lasts for 30 seconds.
Besides saving many patients the time of undergoing a long surgical procedure, the treatment can result in better cosmetic outcomes, since the skin is not cut or burned, says Dr. Reardon.
The device also is effective for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease of the skin that can be acquired by Iraq war veterans. The hypothermia technology can be used instead of taking strong oral anti-parasite drugs.
"The mission of the VA is to offer the latest treatment technology for veterans at every opportunity," adds Dr. Reardon. "Use of this technology is currently being explored by the VA podiatrists, and the ear, nose and throat surgeons may soon be following suit."
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Media Note: Dr. Reardon is available for interviews and to demonstrate the technology. A patient also is available for interviews.
More About Skin Cancer
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services Cancer Control Plan, Arizona has the highest rate of skin cancer in the United States.
Cancer of the skin is the most common type of cancer, accounting for about half of all cancers. Men get skin cancer roughly twice as often as women.
Skin cancers are divided into 2 major groups: nonmelanoma and melanoma. Nonmelanoma skin cancers include basal cell and squamous cell cancers. Basal cell carcinoma begins in the lowest part of the epidermis (the outermost of three layers that form the skin) and grows slowly. About three out of four skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas. If untreated, basal cell carcinoma can grow into nearby areas and invade the bone or other tissues.
Squamous cell carcinomas are more likely to invade fatty tissues just beneath the skin, and slightly more likely to spread to lymph nodes or distant parts of the body than are basal cell carcinomas.
Cancers that develop from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin, are called melanoma. Melanoma is almost always curable in its early stages, but is likely to spread to other parts of the body if not detected early.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma affect more than 1.3 million people in the United States each year. Both are caused primarily by long-term sun exposure and typically appear in those areas that are exposed to the sun.
Skin damaged by factors other than the sun may also be vulnerable to both cancers. These factors include burns and scars, open sores that resist healing, inflammatory skin conditions, and areas exposed to radiation or chemicals such as arsenic and petroleum by-products.
Tips for Beating Skin Cancer
Cover up: Wear a shirt with long sleeves and a hat with a brim when in the sun.
Seek shade: Look for shade, especially in the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Use sunscreen: Use sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher. Be sure to use enough (a palmful) and put it on again every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Use sunscreen even on hazy or overcast days.
Wear sunglasses: Wrap-around sunglasses that absorb at least 99% of ultraviolet (UV) rays help protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes.
Avoid tanning: If you want a tan, try using a "sunless" tanning lotion. Sunless tanning lotions contain a substance called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Look for this on the label. Don’t use tanning beds and sun lamps, as these also give off UV light and can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Protect children: Protect children from too much sun, and teach them to protect themselves as they get older.
Have your skin checked: Aside from prevention, early detection and treatment is the best way to beat skin cancer. Be sure to show your doctor any area that concerns you.
Source: American Cancer Society
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