Introducing our new non-surgical skin cancer treatment, SRT (Superficial Radiation Therapy). Also known as SRT-100, this non-invasive skin cancer treatment is used to treat basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas as well as non-malignant keloids.
Although Dr. Retief still practices Mohs surgery and it is the best option for certain types of cancer, SRT has its advantages. However, SRT is not a recommended treatment for melanoma skin cancers.
Pros & Cons of SRT
Pros
There are several benefits to SRT over surgical skin cancer treatment.
· SRT is usually painless, with only mild side effects of redness and irritation in the treatment area.
· SRT achieves superior cosmetic results, making it an excellent choice for skin cancers on the face.
· Scars are minimal to non-existent.
· Cure rates for SRT are around 95%, only slightly lower than surgical treatments.
· Multiple lesions can be treated all at once.
Cons
SRT may not be recommended for younger patients because of the possibility of the development of future skin cancers in the treated area. These cancers though rare may appear 30-40 years after receiving SRT in the irradiated site only. The radiation only penetrates 5mm into the skin, and the area around the skin cancer is protected with a custom shield. This ensures that the radiation does not affect any other part of your body.
That said, the benefits of SRT may outweigh any risks. Talk to your doctor if you believe you would be a good candidate for SRT.
Testimonials
“My name is Marvel, and I have been having SRT here at Retief Skin Center for five weeks. In fact, this is my second round of SRT. I am being treated for multiple Basal Cell Carcinomas on my face and arm. Just as before, I come in three times a week and though I am having multiple spots treated, I am rarely in the office for more than twenty minutes. I was very pleased with the outcome of my previous treatments, which is why I choose SRT for any new spots that come up. The treatment is painless and fast. I would recommend SRT for anyone looking for a nonsurgical option with the same cure rate!”
“As a recent patient of Dr. Carla Retief’s SRT program of low dose radiation treatment for my basal cell carcinomas, I could not be more pleased with the results. The treatments were on my face, where conventional surgery requiring stitches would have left scars. The treatments were fast and completely pain free! I was in and out of the office within 15 minutes for each treatment! It’s been several months since treatments were finished, and there is no sign whatsoever that anything was done, except that the Basel cell scabs are completely healed. I would highly recommend the program, and would not hesitate to have the treatments again should the need arise. ”
Frequently asked questions
What is superficial radiation therapy?
Superficial Radiation Therapy is a non-surgical method of skin cancer treatment. It is used to treat basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas as well as non-malignant keloids, almost anywhere on your body.
How does superficial radiation therapy work?
Short, 30-second bursts of low dose radiation are delivered superficially (5mm into the skin) directly into malignant non-melanoma skin cancer cells. These blasts of energy disrupt the cell division process of the malignant cells, effectively destroying the cancer without damaging healthy adjacent tissue.
Is superficial radiation therapy safe?
Because the radiation only penetrates 5mm into the skin, it is safe and effective for treating basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. SRT has become our go-to treatment for anatomically difficult lesions, such as large basal and squamous cell carcinomas on the shin, scalp, ear, and nose as well as those with multiple lesions.
How many sessions will I need?
The treatments are done in our dermatology office, conveniently located, right here in Nashville.
Treatments are administered three to four times a week until the skin cancer is gone. Twenty to twenty-five treatments are standard.
What are the side effects of superficial radiation therapy?
Common side effects of SRT include:
· Sore red skin around the treatment area
· Skin may scab and in rare cases may bleed.
· Hair loss in the treated area. In some cases, this may be permanent.
The side effects may persist for a few weeks after treatment.
Is superficial radiation therapy covered by insurance?
SRT is widely accepted by insurance companies as an FDA-approved effective treatment option for non-melanoma skin cancers. Thus, SRT is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. If you would like more information about your specific insurance provider please pop into our offices at 4301 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 200, Nashville or call us on (615) 383-6092.