Skin Cancer Treatment: Am I a Candidate for Superficial Radiation Therapy?

Have you ever found yourself staring at a suspicious spot on your skin, wondering if it’s just a harmless blemish or something more serious? According to the American Academy of Dermatology, an estimated 9,500 Americans receive a skin cancer diagnosis every day.

Ruben Moreno, MD, and the team at Florida Dermatology Associates specialize in skin cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. We offer comprehensive services, including skin cancer screening and superficial radiation therapy (SRT), a non-invasive, pain-free approach to treating certain types of skin cancer.

SRT is a targeted treatment designed for non-melanoma skin cancers. Unlike traditional surgery, SRT uses low-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells on the skin’s surface without cutting or scarring.

Let’s look at the ins and outs of SRT to help you determine if it’s the right choice for you.

How does SRT work?

SRT uses X-rays to deliver targeted radiation treatment. Low radiation levels penetrate only the top layer of skin, targeting cancerous cells while minimizing damage to underlying tissues. 

Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

Precise targeting

Before your treatment, we measure and mark the affected area to ensure that the radiation is delivered to the cancerous cells only, avoiding damage to healthy tissue.

Radiation delivery

Once the setup is complete, you sit back in a comfortable chair while we deliver a controlled dose of radiation directly to the cancerous cells. The procedure is typically painless and takes 30 seconds to a few minutes per session.

Cell destruction and healing

The radiation damages the DNA of the cancer cells, interfering with their ability to replicate and grow, which causes the cancer cells to die off. Since the healthy skin cells surrounding the treated area are undamaged, they can repair and regenerate naturally. 

Most patients require multiple SRT treatments to achieve optimal results. The number of sessions depends on the cancer’s type, size, and location. Dr. Moreno determines the most appropriate treatment schedule after assessing your condition.

Post-treatment, your skin may appear slightly red or irritated. However, this is temporary and should heal within a few weeks.

Am I a candidate for SRT?

Our team reviews your medical history and examines any suspicious moles or skin changes to determine your candidacy for SRT. We may also conduct a biopsy, taking a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis to confirm or rule out a skin cancer diagnosis.

Factors that may influence your eligibility include:

Type of skin cancer

SRT is primarily effective for non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal and squamous cell carcinoma. These types of cancer typically grow slowly and don’t spread to other parts of the body.

Stage of cancer

Early-stage cancers are generally more suitable for SRT. Advanced-stage cancer may require more aggressive treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy.

Location of cancer

SRT is particularly well-suited for skin cancer located on the face, neck, or hands, where scarring can be a concern. These areas are often sensitive and cosmetically important, making SRT a desirable option for keeping scars to a minimum.

Overall health

Dr. Moreno assesses your overall health, including any existing medical conditions, when determining your eligibility for SRT. While the procedure is safe, certain health conditions may make it less suitable.

Personal preferences

We also consider your preferences and concerns, such as a desire to avoid surgery or scarring. SRT offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional surgery, making it a good option for patients who prefer to avoid going under the knife.

Ready to explore if SRT is the right choice for you? Call or click today to schedule a consultation with the experts at Florida Dermatology Associates at one of our offices in Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Cocoa, Titusville, or Rockledge, Florida.