New Treatments for Skin Cancer : Superficial Radiotherapy . | by Dr . Alpesh Desai
How did I get non-melanoma skin cancer ?
Following a non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosis , it ’ s common to wonder how you got it . While several factors may be involved , non-melanoma skin cancer is typically caused over time by exposure to the sun ’ s harmful rays . As we age , the cumulative effect may be the development of skin cancer . There are two important things to remember : ( 1 ) You are not alone . In the USA alone , more than threeand-a-half million people per year are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer . ( 2 ) The important question is not “ how you got the disease ,” it ’ s “ how and where you ’ ll receive treatment ”. Knowing your options is an important first step . While many dermatologists simply recommend Mohs surgery , Image-Guided Superficial Radiotherapy ( IG-SRT ) may be a desirable non-surgical alternative .
Am I radioactive and is my treatment dangerous to myself or others ? No , you are not radioactive , and your treatment is very safe . Will my hair fall out ?
No , other than mild irritation at the treatment site , your body is unaffected .
Does the treatment penetrate bone ?
No , the treatment only penetrates a few millimeters into the patient ’ s tissue and has little effect on normal surrounding tissue .
What precautions should I follow ?
Wash the areas lightly with a gentle soap ; do not use a washcloth . Pat dry , and do not use perfume , deodorant , or any kind of medicine on the area without checking with a medical professional first . Always cover the area with clothing or sunscreen , as the skin is more sensitive to sunlight when being treated or after treatment is complete .
If the lesion were to come back , can I have it treated with IG-SRT again ?
No , in the unlikely event your cancer were to come back , it would have to be treated surgically .
How long will I be in the office each day for treatment ?
Treatments generally take about 15 minutes total ( Simulation on the first day takes 30-45 minutes ).
78 iS Skin Source