What is Superficial Radiotherapy?
Superficial radiotherapy is a type of radiation therapy that involves the use of high-energy radiation to treat skin conditions, such as non-melanoma skin cancer and benign skin tumors. Unlike other forms of radiation therapy that penetrate deeper into the body, superficial radiotherapy delivers low-energy radiation directly to the skin’s surface, where the cancerous or abnormal cells are located.
Superficial radiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses a machine to deliver the radiation in small and controlled doses, with minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment typically lasts only a few minutes, and patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure. Superficial radiotherapy has proven to be an effective and safe treatment option for a variety of skin conditions, with high cure rates and minimal side effects.
What are the benefits of Superficial Radiotherapy?
Superficial Radiotherapy, or SRT as it is known, is good news for the nearly 3.5 million Americans who are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer each year. More than half of these newly diagnosed patients are over 60 years of age and often have a higher risk for surgical complications due to diabetes, heart disease and other medical conditions.
While Mohs surgery has been the traditional choice for basal cell carcinoma treatment and squamous cell carcinoma treatment, it has several serious drawbacks. The excision of cancerous tissue along with healthy surrounding tissue leads to a painful and lengthy healing process that increases the risk for infection. Patients who undergo Mohs are also left with significant scarring on the face, nose and neck.
Since nearly 80 percent of skin cancer occurs on visible areas of the face, head and neck, reconstructive plastic surgery is often required. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that 87 percent of plastic surgeons in the U.S. perform cosmetic surgery on people who have had Mohs. In fact, reconstructive surgery following Mohs is the second most common procedure performed by plastic surgeons.
SRT vs. MOHS Micrographic Surgery.
Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and superficial radiation therapy (SRT) are both options for treating nonmelanoma skin cancer. However, while MMS is a common technique, it may be invasive, costly, and time-consuming. On the other hand, SRT is a non-invasive and painless option that does not require surgery or anesthesia. In addition, it offers a 95% cure rate, making it a safer and more effective option for those looking for a non-invasive procedure.
Patients who undergo SRT find that the treatment does not require downtime and they are able to resume their normal activities immediately. Additionally, SRT is non-scarring, which is ideal for patients who are concerned about cosmetic results. In contrast, MMS typically leaves a visible scar and may involve a longer recovery period before the patient feels fully healed.
Another key benefit of SRT is that it has a lower risk of infection or complications, whereas MMS may cause bleeding, infection or nerve damage. Those who are looking to avoid potential complications and invasive surgery would find SRT an excellent option. Although both MMS and SRT are effective treatments for skin cancer, SRT’s advantages in terms of being non-invasive, less costly, and having better cosmetic results make it a more superior treatment option.
SRT is the Best Choice for Many. Is it right for you?
Superficial radiotherapy is a safe and effective treatment option for non-melanoma skin cancers. It involves the use of low-energy radiation beams that target cancerous cells in the surface layers of the skin. This makes it an excellent choice for treating skin cancers that are located on areas of the body that are too sensitive or difficult to treat with traditional surgery. It is also less invasive than other treatment options, which means that patients can often return to their normal activities more quickly. Additionally, because the radiation only targets the affected area, healthy skin surrounding the cancer is largely spared, which can result in a more cosmetically pleasing outcome.
Another benefit of superficial radiotherapy is that it can be administered in outpatient settings, which is more convenient for patients who may not be able to take significant time off work or who live in rural areas without access to specialized medical facilities. Additionally, because of its non-invasive nature, it may be a good option for patients with underlying medical conditions that make more invasive treatments risky. Overall, superficial radiotherapy is a safe, effective, and convenient treatment option for many patients with skin cancer, offering high cure rates and minimal side effects.
Does Mobile Skin Solutions Offer Skin Cancer Treatment using SRT?
Yes, Mobile Skin Solutions offers medical dermatology treatments, skin cancer treatment using Superficial Radiation Therapy, and surgical removal of non-melanoma skin cancers. Our team of board certified, licensed and experienced medical professionals can help you understand your skin cancer treatment options. Call us or complete our Skin Cancer Consultation form today.