HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Fluorouracil (5-FU) for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
How Well It Works
This medicine works well for treating superficial actinic keratosis.Reference 2 If you have superficial basal cell carcinoma or Reference squamous cell carcinoma in situ Opens New Window and surgery is not possible, your doctor may suggest treatment with 5-FU cream.
Studies show a clearance rate of 90% when 5-FU cream is used to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma and 27% to 85% when this cream is used to treat squamous cell carcinoma in situ.Reference 3 Treatment with 5-FU does not usually cause scarring.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: October 2, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology |
|
© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
