What Is Superficial Radiation Therapy?
Radiation for skin cancers is a superficial (skin deep) dose of radiation that destroys the cells in non-melanoma skin cancers.
Who can be treated with radiation?
Your dermatology provider with determine if you are eligibility for treatment using radiation. Not all skin cancers respond to radiation. The skin cancers that are “sensitive to radiation” are typically basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Radiation is a great option for patients who are not surgical candidates. There is no anesthesia, no cutting, no stitches, no down-time, no scarring and no need for post-treatment reconstruction.
How does superficial radiation therapy work?
The radiation treatments deliver a total dose of radiation that destroys the skin cancer. This dose is broken up over multiple treatments. These treatments are usually done twice a week and can consist of as many as 14 - 17 treatments. The radiation is delivered in very small doses as to break down the cancerous cells without damaging the healthy cells.
What is the cure rate?
The SRT-100 radiation machine by Sensus Healthcare boasts a cure rate of 98.7%, similar to that of Mohs micrographic surgery.
What areas of the body can it be used for?
Radiation can be used on nearly any location on the surface of the body. It works especially well for the treatment of the face, lips, ears, scalp, areas of the neck, hands, arms, and legs.
Will the radiation harm the rest of my body?
No, it will not. Protective measures are used to direct the radiation straight down in the chosen size. The skin around the cancer is protected with a custom lead shield. This shield has a hole in the center that is the size and shape of the area requiring treatment. During treatment, we protect your body with a lead apron, a lead shield for your neck, as well as extra protection for your eyes.
How do you know the skin cancer is gone?
We are using radiation doses that have been proven to be adequate in eliminating skin cancers. We also use Ultrasound to watch the skin cancer reduce in size with each treatment. We recommend a follow-up visit with the provider six weeks after the last radiation treatment and, of course, skin checks on a regular basis.
