SRT for Skin Cancer: A Non-Surgical Way to Treat It Right

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, the word "surgery" is often the first thing that comes to mind. But surgery isn't the only path forward anymore. SRT for skin cancer, also known as Superficial Radiotherapy, has become one of the most trusted non-surgical treatment options for these common skin cancers, and it's something we're proud to offer right here at Specialists in Dermatology.

If you're new to the term, you're not alone. Many patients haven't heard of SRT until their dermatologist brings it up as an option. So let's walk through what it is, how it works, and why it might be a good fit for you.

What Is SRT?

SRT stands for Superficial Radiotherapy, a treatment that uses a focused beam of low energy X-rays to target and destroy cancer cells directly in the skin. It's specifically designed for non-melanoma skin cancers, most commonly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most frequently diagnosed types of skin cancer in the United States.

Because the radiation is superficial by design, it treats the cancer at the level of the skin without needing to go any deeper. That's a big part of what makes it such an appealing option for the right patients.

How Does It Work?

During an SRT session, the radiation is delivered directly to the tumor site through a handheld device. The energy damages the DNA inside the cancer cells, which stops them from multiplying and eventually causes them to die off. Meanwhile, the surrounding healthy tissue is largely spared.

Each session is quick, usually somewhere between five and ten minutes, and treatment is typically spread out over a series of visits, often two to five times a week for several weeks depending on the size and characteristics of the cancer. There's no cutting, no stitches, and no anesthesia involved.

Who Is a Good Candidate for SRT?

SRT tends to be a great option for patients who:

Have early stage basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer. Prefer to avoid surgery or have a medical condition that makes surgery riskier for them. Have a cancer located somewhere cosmetically sensitive, like the nose, ears, eyelids, lips, or scalp, where surgical scarring is a real concern. Are looking for a treatment that doesn't require downtime.

It's worth noting that SRT isn't the right choice for every situation. It's generally not used for melanoma, and more aggressive or deeply rooted cancers may still need a surgical approach like Mohs surgery. That's why an accurate diagnosis and a conversation with your dermatologist matters so much before deciding on a treatment plan.

The Benefits Compared to Surgery

For patients who are candidates, the appeal of SRT is pretty clear. There are no incisions and no stitches, which means no surgical scarring. There's no anesthesia needed, so there's none of the recovery time or risk that can come along with it. Most patients are able to go right back to their normal daily activities after each session. And the results speak for themselves. Cure rates for early stage non-melanoma skin cancers treated with SRT often exceed 95 percent, which is right in line with what you'd expect from more invasive treatment options.

For cancers on the face or other visible areas, this can make a real difference in both the physical and emotional recovery process. Skin cancer treatment doesn't have to mean a visible scar for the rest of your life.

What to Expect During Treatment

Your dermatologist will start by confirming your diagnosis and determining whether SRT is appropriate for your specific cancer. From there, a treatment plan is mapped out based on the size, depth, and location of the lesion.

During each session, you'll simply lie back while the device is positioned over the treatment area. You might feel a bit of warmth, but the procedure itself is painless. As treatment progresses over the following weeks, it's common to notice some redness, mild irritation, or peeling in the treated area, similar to a mild sunburn. This usually resolves on its own, and your care team will guide you on how to care for your skin throughout the process.

Because there's no surgical wound to manage, most patients find the day to day experience of SRT far easier to fit into a busy schedule than surgery would be.

Why We're Proud to Offer It

Skin cancer treatment should never feel like a one size fits all decision, and that's exactly why we've invested in this technology. At Specialists in Dermatology, we currently have three SRT machines in our practice, giving our patients more availability, shorter wait times between appointments, and the flexibility to get the consistent, quality care that this kind of treatment requires. Having three units on hand also means our team has deep, hands on experience with SRT, so you're in capable and familiar hands from your very first visit.

If you've been told you have a basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, or if you're simply due for a skin check, we'd love to talk with you about whether SRT could be part of your treatment plan. Every case is different, and our team is here to walk you through your options with honesty and care.

Let's Talk About Your Skin

Skin cancer is common, but so are the options for treating it well. If you want to learn more about SRT or schedule a consultation, give us a call at (520) 382-3330 or press book now to get started. Our team is ready to help you find the treatment path that's right for you.