Why You Should Treat Skin Cancer with SRT (Superficial Radiation Therapy)

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Recent research estimates that around 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime and currently, around 9,500 people in the U.S are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. 

As with all cancers, the earlier they are diagnosed and treatment begins, the better the outcome is likely to be for the patient. When it is detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is around 99%. If you have been diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, one of the treatments that your dermatologist in Deerfield Beach, FL will offer as a treatment option is known as SRT. Here’s what you need to know about SRT and how it can help treat your skin cancer.

What is SRT and how does it work?

SRT, which stands for superficial radiation therapy, is an innovative treatment that is often recommended in the treatment of skin cancers. Unlike conventional radiation treatments, which are a common method of treating cancers that affect the organs deep within the body, SRT only penetrates the very outer layers of skin and tissue. This makes it perfectly safe and ideal to be used to treat a skin cancer that is diagnosed in the earlier stages (before it has metastasized and spread to other parts of the body). It can also be effectively used to treat a variety of different benign (non-cancerous) cellular changes affecting the skin. 

SRT works in the same way as regular radiation. It is completely painless and non-invasive which makes the treatment much more tolerable for patients. You’ll be asked to lie completely still while the radiation is targeted at the area for treatment. The machine emits radiation that penetrates the top layers of skin only, where it then starts to destroy the cancerous cells.  

SRT can be successfully used to treat several different types of skin cancer, including:

•            Basal cell carcinoma

•            Squamous cell carcinoma

Are there any side effects?

Unfortunately, all cancer treatments have some side effects. The good news is that those associated with SRT are usually fairly mild and often don’t appear until near the end of your treatment plan. Some of the most common side effects include hair loss in the area being treated, red skin, and scabbed or bleeding skin. Dr. Green, your dermatologist at Green Dermatology & Cosmetic Center will talk to you about what side effects you may experience and how best to deal with them. 

What are the benefits of SRT for treating skin cancer?

There are numerous benefits associated with choosing SRT for treating skin cancer. These include:

• No need for anesthesia
• No pain
• No incisions or suturing
• No needles
• No Scar
• Fast treatment times with no downtime
• Treatment is usually painless, with only some mild skin irritation and redness experienced, that resolves
• Superior cosmetic results, making it an ideal choice for skin cancers affecting highly visible parts of the body, such as the face
• It has a very high success rate of around 95%

For more information about SRT for skin cancer, call Green Dermatology & Cosmetic Center in Deerfield Beach, Florida at (954) 947-4500 with any questions or to schedule a consultation today.

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