Skin cancer is a common type of cancer that affects millions of people every year. While surgery is often the preferred treatment for skin cancer, Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) is a non-invasive alternative that can offer several advantages. In particular, SRT can be a better option than surgery for certain areas of the face where scarring may be more noticeable or problematic.
What is SRT?
SRT is a non-invasive treatment that uses a low-energy radiation beam to destroy cancerous cells on the skin’s surface. The radiation beam is highly targeted, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. SRT is most commonly used to treat non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Myths Surrounding SRT
There are several myths surrounding SRT as a treatment for skin cancer. Here are a few of the most common:
- SRT is painful: SRT is a painless treatment that does not require anesthesia or sedation. Patients may experience some mild redness or irritation in the treated area, but this usually goes away within a few days.
- SRT is not effective: SRT is a highly effective treatment for certain types of skin cancer, particularly non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Cure rates for SRT are comparable to those of surgery.
- SRT is dangerous: SRT is a safe treatment option for most patients with skin cancer. Like any medical treatment, there are some risks, but these are generally minimal and outweighed by the benefits of the treatment.
- Hair loss: Some patients may wonder if SRT will cause hair loss. However, because SRT is a localized treatment that only affects the area of the skin where the cancer is located, it does not typically cause hair loss, as it is not targeted at hair follicles.
In which situations would one choose SRT?
- Non-invasive: SRT is a non-invasive treatment that does not require cutting or suturing. This means that there is typically no scarring, and patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. In particular, SRT can be a better option for certain areas of the face, such as the nose or very close to the eyes, where scarring may be more noticeable or problematic.
- Precision: SRT uses a highly targeted beam of radiation that is directed only at the affected area of the skin. This helps to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue, which can reduce side effects and improve outcomes.
- Few side effects: SRT is generally well-tolerated and has fewer side effects than some other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy. Common side effects of SRT include mild redness or irritation at the treatment site, which usually goes away within a few days.
- Suitable for patients with medical comorbidities: Some patients with underlying medical conditions or who are taking certain medications may not be good candidates for surgery. SRT is a treatment option for these patients, which allows them to receive effective treatment while minimizing the risk of complications.
In conclusion, while surgery is often the preferred treatment for skin cancer, SRT can be a highly effective and non-invasive alternative, particularly for certain areas of the face where scarring may be more noticeable or problematic. Patients should discuss their treatment options with their doctor to determine the most appropriate course of action based on their specific situation and medical history. It is also important to understand and debunk common myths surrounding SRT to make informed decisions about treatment.
