What treatments are available to manage and alleviate symptoms of advanced skin cancer?

If you have advanced skin cancer, there are several treatments available to help manage the disease and relieve symptoms. Surgery may not always be an option, especially if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body. However, other treatments can help slow the progression of the cancer and improve your quality of life. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing. These drugs can be taken orally or through an IV. Chemotherapy is often given in cycles, with periods of treatment followed by periods of rest. Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles to kill or damage cancer cells. This treatment can be administered externally or internally, depending on the location of the cancer. Targeted therapy focuses on specific proteins and genes that help cancer cells grow. These drugs are designed to attack cancer cells while causing less harm to normal cells. Immunotherapy boosts your immune system to help it fight cancer. This treatment can be particularly effective for some types of skin cancer. Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. This can include pain management, nutritional support, and other therapies to help you feel better. Clinical trials may also be an option, offering access to new and experimental treatments that are not yet widely available.