Want to treat your skin cancer without surgery?

With skin cancer on the rise, and nearly four million Americans diagnosed with basal and squamous cell carcinoma annually, physicians and patients now have an additional treatment option for non-melanoma skin cancer known as Superficial Radiation Therapy, or SRT for short.

SRT is a gentle, surgery-free treatment that is safe and has a very high cure rate in most lower-risk basal and squamous cell skin cancers. Treatment is done right in the dermatology office over the course of 5-7 weeks.

Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) Explained

Superficial radiation therapy involves the use of low-energy radiation to treat skin conditions, usually cancers or non-cancerous growths on or just beneath the skin's surface. Unlike deep radiation therapy, which penetrates deeper into the body, SRT specifically targets the outer layers of the skin.

What are the benefits of SRT?

• Non-Invasive Treatment: SRT is a non-invasive treatment option, meaning there is no surgery involved. Patients typically lie comfortably during the sessions.

• Localized Treatment: The radiation is targeted precisely to the affected area, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This precision is particularly important when treating skin cancers on visible areas like the face.

• Outpatient Procedure: SRT is often performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to go home the same day. The number of treatment sessions varies depending on the specific condition and the treatment plan.

• Minimal Side Effects: Compared to traditional radiation therapy, SRT tends to have fewer side effects.

Side effects and cosmetic results

When X-ray energy is used to kill cancer cells, your body will replace the dead cancer cells with healthy tissue over time. There is no need for reconstructive surgery and cosmetic results can be very good. But there is often thinning of the skin, particularly in areas with many oil glands like the nasal tip. There is also a risk of temporary or permanent pigment changes in the skin at the treatment site. There will be permanent hair loss in the entire treatment field. Other potential side effects may include skin inflammation with redness and swelling at the treatment site, and ulceration and slow healing on the lower legs. Topical creams or ointments can be used over the course of treatment to minimize these side effects, and the side effects usually go away 2-to 6-weeks after treatment is complete.

How Pinnacle Dermatology and GentleCure Can Help

Pinnacle Dermatology offers a non-surgical skin cancer treatment option with Superficial Radiation Therapy. SRT penetrates the skin's surface with a precise dose of Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas. SRT can also be an appropriate non-surgical treatment option for keloid scars.

SRT safely destroys cancerous cells without damaging healthy surrounding tissue. Physicians view treatment areas with high-frequency ultrasound allowing them to thoroughly assess and target cancer cells with precision.

If you suspect that you have skin cancer or have recently been diagnosed and were told you need treatment, schedule an appointment with us today. On your first visit, we will review your pathology report, discuss your treatment options, and work with you to determine the treatment plan that best meets your needs.