Non-melanoma skin cancer is one of the most common types of skin cancer, with millions of new cases reported each year. While there are various treatment options available, one of the most effective and widely used methods is superficial radiotherapy (SRT).
What is Superficial Radiotherapy?
Superficial radiotherapy is a type of external radiotherapy that targets the surface of the skin. It’s a non-invasive treatment that involves using low-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells and prevent them from growing. It’s typically used to treat non-melanoma skin cancers that are located on the surface of the skin, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
How Does it Treat Skin Cancer?
SRT works by delivering a precise dose of radiation to the affected area. This radiation damages the cancer cells and prevents them from growing and dividing. Over time, the damaged cells are eliminated by the body’s natural processes, resulting in the disappearance of the cancer.
It’s a highly effective treatment option for non-melanoma skin cancer because it allows for precise targeting of the affected area. This means that healthy cells surrounding the cancerous tissue are not damaged during treatment. Additionally, superficial radiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment, which means that there is no need for surgery or incisions and, therefore, there is minimal to no scarring.
Treating Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
There are several benefits to using SRT to treat non-melanoma skin cancer. First and foremost, it’s a highly effective treatment option with a success rate of over 95%. Additionally, it’s less painful than invasive procedures and requires less downtime than other treatments.
It’s also a good option for patients who may not be good candidates for surgery, such as older adults or those with underlying health conditions. Finally, it’s also a relatively quick treatment, with most sessions lasting only a few minutes.
Recovery
If you have recently undergone superficial radiotherapy for non-melanoma skin cancer treatment, you may be wondering what to expect during your recovery period. While SRT is a non-invasive treatment option that requires minimal downtime, it is still important to take care of yourself during the recovery process to ensure the best possible outcome.
The good news is that most patients recover quickly. You may experience some redness, itching or irritation in the treated area, but these side effects are typically resolved on their own within a few weeks. Your doctor may recommend using a soothing lotion or cream to help alleviate any discomfort.
It’s also important to protect the treated area from sunlight and other sources of UV radiation during the recovery period. This is because SRT can make your skin more sensitive to UV radiation, which can increase the risk of skin damage and further non-melanoma skin cancer development. Be sure to wear protective clothing and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever you go outside.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure that the cancer has been successfully treated. It’s important to attend these appointments and follow any recommendations provided by your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome.
Overall, recovery from superficial radiotherapy is usually quick and easy. By taking care of yourself during the recovery period and following any recommendations provided by your doctor, you can help ensure the best possible outcome and reduce the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer reoccurrence.
Explore Your Treatment Options
If you have been diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, it’s important to explore all your treatment options. Talk to your doctor today to see if SRT is a good option for your specific type of non-melanoma skin cancer.
