A skin cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially when you hear the word “surgery.” Fortunately, some patients may have treatment options that do not require traditional surgical removal. Non surgical skin cancer treatment SRT, also known as superficial radiation therapy (SRT), uses targeted radiation to treat certain skin cancers without cutting into the skin.
SRT may be considered for selected cases of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), particularly when surgery may be difficult or when preserving the appearance and function of an area is important. However, SRT is not appropriate for every skin cancer. A dermatologist or radiation specialist should evaluate the cancer’s type, size, location, and risk factors before recommending treatment.
What Is Non Surgical Skin Cancer Treatment SRT?
Superficial radiation therapy delivers carefully planned radiation to cancer cells near the surface of the skin. The goal is to damage the DNA of abnormal cells while limiting exposure to deeper tissues.
Unlike traditional excision or Mohs surgery, SRT does not require an incision or stitches. Treatment is typically delivered during a series of short outpatient sessions.
How SRT Works
During an SRT treatment:
- The treatment area is examined and measured.
- The provider determines the appropriate treatment plan.
- A specialized device delivers superficial radiation to the affected area.
- Treatment is completed in an outpatient setting.
- The skin is monitored throughout the treatment course.
The exact number of sessions and radiation dose depend on the individual case and the treatment protocol being used.
Who May Benefit From SRT?
SRT may be an option for some patients with non-melanoma skin cancers, including certain basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
It can be particularly useful in situations where a patient:
- Has a cancer located in a cosmetically sensitive area
- Wants to discuss a nonsurgical treatment option
- May have difficulty healing after surgery
- Has a lesion that is appropriate for superficial radiation
- Is not an ideal candidate for certain surgical procedures
SRT can also be considered for some patients who prefer to avoid an incision after discussing the benefits and limitations of all available treatments with their physician.
However, SRT is not automatically better than surgery or Mohs surgery. For some skin cancers, surgical removal provides important advantages because the removed tissue can be examined to confirm that the cancer has been completely removed.
SRT vs. Mohs Surgery and Excision
When choosing a skin cancer treatment, patients may hear about Mohs micrographic surgery, standard excision, cryotherapy, topical medications, or radiation therapy.
Each approach has different benefits and limitations.
SRT
- Nonsurgical
- No surgical incision
- Delivered over multiple treatment visits
- May be useful for selected superficial skin cancers
- Can cause temporary skin reactions during treatment
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery removes cancerous tissue in stages while examining the tissue under a microscope during the procedure. This allows the surgeon to check the margins before repairing the wound.
Mohs is commonly used for certain skin cancers in areas where tissue preservation is especially important, such as the nose, ears, eyelids, and other parts of the face.
Standard Excision
Standard excision involves surgically removing the tumor along with a margin of surrounding skin. The specimen is generally sent to a laboratory for examination.
Your dermatologist can help determine which treatment is appropriate based on your specific diagnosis and circumstances.
What to Expect During SRT
One advantage of SRT is that treatment is generally performed without surgery or general anesthesia. Patients typically remain awake and can return home after each appointment.
During treatment, the skin may gradually become red, irritated, dry, or sensitive. Some patients develop peeling or other temporary skin changes. Your medical team will provide instructions for caring for the treated area.
After treatment is complete, follow-up appointments are important. Your provider will monitor the treated area and check for signs of recurrence or other skin concerns.
Is SRT Safe?
SRT has been used as a treatment option for selected non-melanoma skin cancers. As with any cancer treatment, potential benefits and risks should be discussed before treatment begins.
Possible side effects can include:
- Redness
- Dryness or irritation
- Peeling
- Skin sensitivity
- Changes in pigmentation
- Temporary or longer-term changes in the treated skin
The risk of side effects can vary depending on the treatment area, radiation dose, tumor characteristics, and individual patient factors.
Importantly, not every skin cancer should be treated with SRT. Melanoma and other aggressive or deeper tumors may require different treatment strategies.
Choosing the Right Skin Cancer Treatment
There is no single treatment that is right for every patient. Your dermatologist may consider:
- Cancer type and stage
- Tumor size and depth
- Location of the cancer
- Whether the cancer is recurrent
- Your overall health and ability to heal
- Previous treatments
- Your personal preferences
A complete evaluation helps your medical team determine whether SRT, Mohs surgery, excision, or another treatment approach is appropriate.
3 Key Takeaways
- SRT is a nonsurgical option that uses superficial radiation to treat certain skin cancers, particularly selected basal and squamous cell carcinomas.
- SRT is not right for every patient. Tumor type, size, location, depth, and other medical factors must be considered.
- Discuss all treatment options with a qualified specialist. Understanding the benefits, risks, and alternatives can help you make an informed decision about your care.
Schedule a Skin Cancer Consultation
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer or want to learn whether non surgical skin cancer treatment SRT may be appropriate for you, Unified Health can help you explore your treatment options.
Schedule a consultation with Unified Health:
www.unifiedhealthusa.com/online-booking
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice about your individual medical condition.
