Non-Surgical Treatments | Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic, Templestowe | May 2026 | 8 min read
Topical Treatments for Skin Cancer: How It Works
Specialist Skin Doctors
No Referral Required
Medicare Rebates Apply
Templestowe, Melbourne
Wondering if your skin cancer can be treated without surgery? For certain types of early-stage skin cancer and precancerous lesions, topical treatments for skin cancer can be an effective, non-invasive option. This guide explains exactly how they work, when they are prescribed, and what to expect.
Topical treatments are applied directly to the skin and work differently depending on the type of cancer or lesion being treated.
What Are Topical Treatments for Skin Cancer?
A topical treatment for skin cancer is a cream, gel, or lotion applied directly to the skin surface to destroy abnormal or cancerous cells without the need for surgery. Rather than cutting out the affected tissue, topical treatments work by triggering your immune system or directly attacking cancer cell DNA.
Topical skin cancer treatments are not suitable for every patient or every skin cancer type. They are most effective for superficial, early-stage skin cancers and precancerous lesions in specific locations. The consulting doctor at Manningham will assess your individual case to determine whether a topical treatment is appropriate or whether a surgical option is better suited.
This post focuses on the clinical use of topical treatments as prescribed by skin cancer specialists. If you are looking for general information about our non-surgical services, our Non-Surgical Treatments page covers everything we offer.
Types of Topical Treatments Used for Skin Cancer
There are three main prescription topical treatments used in clinical practice for skin cancer and precancerous lesions in Australia. Each works differently and is suited to different situations.
Imiquimod (Aldara)
Imiquimod is an immune response modifier. Rather than directly killing cancer cells, it stimulates your skin’s immune response to identify and destroy abnormal cells. It is applied as a 5% cream directly to the lesion.
Commonly Used For
Superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC), actinic keratoses (sunspots), some cases of Bowen’s disease (SCC in situ)
5-Fluorouracil / 5-FU (Efudix)
5-Fluorouracil is a topical chemotherapy agent. It works by interfering with the DNA synthesis of rapidly dividing cells, which includes cancer and precancerous cells. It is applied as a cream (typically 5%) to the affected area once or twice daily over a defined treatment period.
Commonly Used For
Actinic keratoses (sunspots), superficial BCC, Bowen’s disease, field treatment of sun-damaged skin with multiple lesions
Diclofenac Gel (Solaraze)
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent available as a 3% gel. It is milder than imiquimod or 5-FU and is primarily used for actinic keratoses. It is typically applied twice daily for 60 to 90 days and is often chosen when patients cannot tolerate stronger treatments.
Commonly Used For
Actinic keratoses (sunspots), patients with sensitive skin or those who require a gentler treatment protocol
Which Skin Cancers Can Be Treated Topically?
Not all skin cancers respond to topical therapy. The table below outlines which conditions are typically suitable and which require surgical intervention. If you are unsure whether your diagnosis qualifies, our consulting doctors can assess this during a full body skin cancer screening.
Topical vs Surgical Treatment: How The Consulting Doctor Decides
The decision between topical and surgical treatment depends on several clinical factors. The consulting doctor at Manningham will assess all of these before recommending a treatment pathway.
- Type and depth of the lesion — superficial cancers are more likely to respond to topical treatment than deeper, invasive ones
- Location on the body — topical treatments are generally more suitable for the trunk and limbs than for the face or areas near the eyes
- Number and extent of lesions — when multiple lesions are spread across a larger area (field change), topical treatment can treat many at once
- Patient health and preferences — patients who are not surgical candidates, are on blood thinners, or prefer to avoid surgery may be suitable for topical therapy
- Need for histological confirmation — if there is diagnostic uncertainty, biopsy and surgery allow the sample to be examined under a microscope, which topical treatment does not
Important
Topical treatments do not provide a tissue sample for pathology. When diagnosis needs to be confirmed or when there is any concern about an invasive component, surgical removal is always preferred. The consulting doctor will always choose the approach that gives you the safest outcome.
What to Expect During and After Topical Treatment
Topical skin cancer treatment typically takes place at home over a prescribed period, with follow-up appointments at the clinic to monitor your response. Here is what the process generally looks like:
Consultation and diagnosis
The consulting doctor confirms the diagnosis, assesses suitability, and prescribes the correct treatment and application schedule.
At-home application
You apply the cream or gel as directed, typically once or twice daily for 3 to 12 weeks depending on the treatment and condition.
Skin reaction
The treated area becomes red, inflamed, and may crust or weep. This reaction is expected and indicates the treatment is working.
Follow-up review
The consulting doctor assesses the treatment response. If the lesion has cleared, you enter a monitoring phase. If not, further treatment may be needed.
Side Effects and Skin Reactions: What Is Normal
Topical skin cancer treatments cause a deliberate inflammatory reaction at the treatment site. This is how they work. Most patients experience some degree of the following:
Do Topical Treatments Work for Melanoma?
No. Topical treatments are not appropriate for melanoma at any stage. Melanoma has the potential to spread to lymph nodes and other organs, and treatment requires surgical excision with adequate margins to ensure complete removal.
If you have been diagnosed with melanoma or are concerned about a changing mole, please do not delay. Early surgical treatment significantly improves outcomes. Our team at Manningham can facilitate an urgent appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Clinic
Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic, Templestowe
Our consulting doctors are experienced skin cancer specialists who provide comprehensive assessment and treatment for all types of skin cancer. We are a purpose-built clinic, meaning every appointment is with a doctor whose focus is entirely on skin cancer care. We offer both non-surgical and surgical treatment pathways and will guide you toward the right option for your diagnosis.
Non-Surgical Treatments
No Referral Required
Medicare Rebates Apply
Advanced Diagnostics
Not Sure Whether Topical Treatment Is Right for You?
Our specialist doctors will assess your skin cancer or precancerous lesion and explain every treatment option available to you. No referral required. Book directly today.
Level 4, 200 High Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3107 | Mon–Fri 9am–5pm | Fortnightly Saturdays
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified skin cancer specialist for personalised guidance on your treatment options.