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Introducing Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) at Skin Wellness

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Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, affecting millions each year. While traditional treatments like Mohs surgery are effective, they can be quite invasive, sometimes involving significant tissue removal and leaving behind noticeable scars. 

To provide a gentler and more precise treatment option, Skin Wellness-Homewood is excited to introduce a surgery-free alternative: Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT). 

Whether you’re dealing with early-stage skin cancer or have concerns about scarring, SRT could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Let’s take a closer look at this treatment and see if it’s right for you.

What is Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)?

Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) is a targeted treatment designed to combat skin cancer with precision. Unlike traditional radiation therapy, which often affects deeper tissues, SRT focuses on specific areas of the skin. This targeted approach delivers precise doses of radiation directly to cancerous cells, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

By eradicating cancerous cells, SRT can help prevent the spread of skin cancer and improve patient outcomes. This makes it a gentler and less invasive option for many patients, especially those with delicate or sensitive skin.

SRT for Skin Cancer: What Types Does It Treat?

SRT is a versatile treatment option that can effectively target a range of skin cancers. Here are some of the common types of skin cancer that SRT can treat:

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type of skin cancer, BCC often appears as a pearly or waxy bump on the skin. SRT can effectively treat BCC, especially in cases where surgical excision may leave significant scarring.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): A more aggressive form of skin cancer, SCC can appear as a firm, red nodule or scaly patch. SRT can be used to treat this cancer type, particularly in areas where surgical removal may be difficult or undesirable.
  • Actinic Keratosis (AK): Often referred to as “sunspots,” AKs are precancerous lesions that can develop into SCC. SRT can effectively treat AKs, reducing the risk of cancer progression.

Who is a Good Candidate for SRT?

SRT is an excellent treatment option for patients with early-stage skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), particularly when the lesions are small and superficial. 

It’s also ideal for individuals with skin cancers located in delicate areas like the face, neck, ears, and eyelids, where traditional surgical methods might result in significant scarring. Additionally, SRT can be a suitable choice for patients who are not good surgical candidates due to underlying health conditions or personal preferences.

Superficial Radiation Therapy vs Mohs

Subtitle: Which is the better skin cancer treatment?

Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) and Mohs surgery are two popular options for treating skin cancer. SRT is a non-surgical approach that uses precise radiation to target cancer cells. This gentle method often leaves little to no scarring and allows for a quick recovery.

Mohs surgery, on the other hand, is a specialized surgical technique that removes skin cancer layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope to ensure complete removal. While Mohs surgery offers excellent results, especially for complex cases, it can sometimes leave noticeable scars.

So, which is the better treatment option for you? This depends on the type and location of your skin cancer, your overall health, and your personal preferences. Consulting with a dermatologist at Skin Wellness Dermatology can help you determine the best treatment for your needs. 

Why SRT is the Future of Skin Cancer Treatment

Skin cancer is a growing concern worldwide, and traditional surgical treatments can often be invasive, painful, and leave visible scars. Superficial radiation therapy offers a groundbreaking approach to skin cancer treatment that prioritizes both effectiveness and patient well-being.

By harnessing advanced technology, SRT provides a gentler, more precise, and less disruptive solution to skin cancer. This innovative treatment:

  • Minimizes Scarring: SRT’s less invasive nature results in minimal scarring, allowing you to maintain a natural appearance.
  • Preserves Healthy Tissue: Unlike traditional surgery, SRT targets only the cancerous cells, preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Offers a Quicker Recovery: Most patients can return to their daily routines shortly after treatment, minimizing downtime.
  • Delivers High Success Rates: SRT has a proven track record of effectively treating early-stage skin cancers.

By choosing SRT, you’re opting for a future where skin cancer treatment is both effective and patient-friendly.

Discover a Gentler Way to Treat Skin Cancer at Skin Wellness

If you have concerns about skin cancer or are interested in learning more about superficial radiation therapy, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a member  of our team at Skin Wellness—Homewood. During your consultation, we will assess your needs and discuss the most suitable treatment option for you.

The SRT procedure is a straightforward process and involves a few key steps: a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist to evaluate your skin condition and determine if SRT is appropriate, treatment planning tailored to your specific needs by our radiation oncology team, brief radiation therapy sessions, and ongoing follow-up care to ensure optimal outcomes.

Schedule an SRT Consultation Today

Skin Wellness offers a comprehensive range of services, from medical dermatology to cosmetic dermatology and advanced aesthetic treatments. Our team is committed to providing the best, individualized care for all your skin concerns, including advanced skin cancer treatments like superficial radiation therapy. Visit us at our convenient Homewood location today or give us a call at 205-953-4056 to schedule an SRT consultation.