Basal cell carcinomacan be curable if treated early.Common treatments includeelectrodesiccation and curettage(cauterizing and scraping the lesion), surgical excisiong, andMohs surgery(a precision surgical technique).
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Indications for Use
Aldara cream is the only topical formulation used to treat sBCC in adults with normal immune systems. It is recommended when other methods of removal are inappropriate (such as where there are multiple lesions on the face). Aldara activates the immune system to produce a type of protein, known as interferon-alpha, to directly attack cancer cells.
Pre-market research showed that Aldara was able to clear sBCC in 75% of treated individuals; in contrast, placebo cleared only 2% of treated sBCC. Of those successfully treated with Aldara, nearly 80% remained cancer-free after two years.
While research is still ongoing, studies suggest that Aldara may be effective in treating early-stagemelanoma(also known as melanoma in situ) if other surgical options are not available.
Treatment Considerations
Aldara is not appropriate for all individuals. Advise your healthcare provider if you are taking other forms of treatment for SBCC, actinic keratosis, genital warts, or any other skin conditions. If so, you may be advised to wait until the current treatment is completed and your skin has healed before starting Aldara.
Aldara may also worsen certain inflammatory skin conditions such aspsoriasis.
Application
Aldara is applied to the skin only and should never be used in or near your eyes, lips, nostrils, or open wounds.
Aldara is usually applied only once daily for five days a week. It should be left on the skin for eight hours or overnight. Do not cover the treated area with bandages or other closed dressings. After eight hours, wash the affected skin with mild soap and water.
Drug Side Effects
The most common side effect of Aldara is a localized skin reaction, which occurs in roughly a third of all cases. Dermatological symptoms may include:
The area being treated is likely to look worse before it gets better. Avoid sunlight (or sunlamps) as this may worsen the symptoms. When outdoors, use protective clothing or a hat to cover the affected area. In some cases, any changes to the skin color or texture may be permanent.
Other potential side effects include headaches, back pain, muscle aches, tiredness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, and fungal infections.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have a severe skin reaction, if you develop flu-like symptoms, or if sores begin to develop during the first week of therapy.
In rare cases, patients may have no reaction to Aldara; this may suggest the medication is not effective in them. Patients should contact their practitioner if they have no reaction to Aldara after applying it for one week.
Frequently Asked Questions
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Basal cell carcinoma: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Basal cell carcinoma: diagnosis and treatment.Del rosso JQ.The use of topical imiquimod for the treatment of actinic keratosis: a status report.Cutis. 2005;76(4):241-8.US Food and Drug Administration.Aldara.American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).Imiquimod: Skin Cancer Treatment FAQs.MedlinePlus.Imiquimod Topical.Additional ReadingNational Cancer Institute: National Institutes of Health.Imiquimod.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Basal cell carcinoma: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Basal cell carcinoma: diagnosis and treatment.Del rosso JQ.The use of topical imiquimod for the treatment of actinic keratosis: a status report.Cutis. 2005;76(4):241-8.US Food and Drug Administration.Aldara.American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).Imiquimod: Skin Cancer Treatment FAQs.MedlinePlus.Imiquimod Topical.Additional ReadingNational Cancer Institute: National Institutes of Health.Imiquimod.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Basal cell carcinoma: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Basal cell carcinoma: diagnosis and treatment.Del rosso JQ.The use of topical imiquimod for the treatment of actinic keratosis: a status report.Cutis. 2005;76(4):241-8.US Food and Drug Administration.Aldara.American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).Imiquimod: Skin Cancer Treatment FAQs.MedlinePlus.Imiquimod Topical.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Basal cell carcinoma: overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Basal cell carcinoma: diagnosis and treatment.
Del rosso JQ.The use of topical imiquimod for the treatment of actinic keratosis: a status report.Cutis. 2005;76(4):241-8.
US Food and Drug Administration.Aldara.
American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).Imiquimod: Skin Cancer Treatment FAQs.
MedlinePlus.Imiquimod Topical.
National Cancer Institute: National Institutes of Health.Imiquimod.
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