Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is one of the most common skin cancers in adults. While there are a number of treatments for this condition including biopsy removal, laser treatments, and various medications, one of the most effective treatments is a topical cream named Aldara. Topical treatment with Aldara is often a much better response to BCC—especially when the tumors are located in highly visible areas such as the face or scalp.
The efficacy of Aldara is in its ability to assist the immune system in fighting the cancer cells themselves—particularly in otherwise healthy adults with fully functioning immune systems. Not only can Aldara combat already present BCC, it can also attack actinic keratosis, a potential BCC pre-cursor.
The efficacy of Aldara is based on two separate clinical trials. In both trials, treatment with Aldara 75% showed carcinoma clearing—compared with only 2% of patients taking a placebo. Further, 80% of patients using Aldara were still cancer-free two years following treatment. Aldara also has additional advantages over other methods of BCC treatment: it is much more cost-effective and undoubtedly less invasive. Recovery from Aldara treatment is virtually non-existent as it is completely non-invasive.
Aldara also has additional curative properties: it is also a treatment for other conditions including genital warts, scars, and T-cell lymphoma. Basically, it is a topical cream that attacks auto-immune type diseases assisting the body in combating these viral-like conditions.
Usage of Aldara is relatively simple and straightforward: the cream should be applied nightly for 5 days and removed with soap and water in the morning. The treated areas should be left uncovered by bandages, creams, and lotions and should never be used on open sores or placed too close to nose, lips, or mouth. The treatment period is usually 6 weeks, even if the tumors, warts, or lesions seem to have disappeared. In other words, don’t discontinue treatment unless directed to do so by your physician.
As with any medication, closely follow your physician’s instructions and only use Aldara as specifically directed. Additionally, keep in mind that the cancerous growths may begin to look worse before improvement is seen—common in many medical interventions. Side-effects of Aldara can be numerous, but are rarely intensely problematic. Possible side effects include redness, swelling, peeling skin, itching, burning, and scabbing and crusting. More serious effects may include headache, back pain, muscle aches, flu-like symptoms, and swollen lymph nodes. Notify your physician if any of these become particularly problematic.
As with most medications, make your physician aware of other medicines you are taking (including vitamins and herbal supplements), any drug allergies you may have, and whether you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Additionally, be clear about any other treatments you are currently using to treat your BCC and whether you have ever had psoriasis, as Aldara has the potential of increasing inflammation of this condition. Finally, you should avoid exposure to sunlight and sunlamps, as Aldara can make you even more likely to sunburn.