Superficial Radiation Therapy: A Non-Surgical Alternative for Skin Cancer

When most people think of skin cancer treatment, they think of surgery. There’s a good reason for that: Surgical procedures such as Mohs surgery remain the gold standard for many skin cancers. That’s because Mohs surgery has a 99% cure rate for new skin cancers.

That said, surgery isn’t the right fit for everyone.

For some people, superficial radiation therapy may be the better path. Superficial radiation therapy is a non-invasive alternative for skin cancer that requires no incisions, no stitches, and no surgical recovery time.

At Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery, Dr. Seth Goodman, Dr. Matt Goodman, and Roshan Kottoor, PA-C, have decades’ worth of experience diagnosing and treating skin cancer. We recommend the right treatment for you, whether that’s surgery or not.

In the meantime, read on to learn more about superficial radiation therapy and when it might be right for you.

What is superficial radiation therapy?

Superficial radiation therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses low-energy X-rays to target and destroy skin cancer cells near your skin’s surface. The low-dose X-rays damage the DNA inside the cancer cells and prevent them from growing and dividing, so your body can then gradually eliminate them.

Because the radiation penetrates only a short distance, it can treat certain skin cancers while minimizing your exposure to deeper tissues.

Which skin cancers can superficial radiation therapy treat?

Superficial radiation therapy is most commonly used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Specifically, they’re ideal for treating tumors less than 2 millimeters deep and less than 2 centimeters in diameter. Case by case exceptions are often made if the cancer meets certain criteria.

Dr. Seth Goodman, Dr. Matt Goodman, and Roshan Kottoor, PA-C, evaluate the type, size, depth, and location of the lesion before recommending any treatment.

Why do some people choose superficial radiation therapy as an alternative to surgery?

While our team recommends the best treatment for you, there are many benefits to consider when reviewing non-surgical options.

You might consider superficial radiation therapy because:

1. There’s no surgery required

Superficial radiation therapy is non-surgical, which means it doesn’t involve an incision. You can receive treatment without undergoing surgery, stitches, or any of the wound care that's typically associated with surgical procedures.

This also means that you don’t have to worry about the same type of potential scarring associated with excisional surgeries.

2. It causes minimal disruption to daily life

Most superficial radiation therapy sessions are relatively quick and performed in our Sun City West, Arizona, location. The radiation itself may take just a few minutes, but there is some setup involved.

Regardless, you can typically return to your normal daily activities immediately afterward.

3. It’s useful for anyone who isn’t an ideal surgical candidate

Some people may have medical conditions that make surgery more challenging. Others may take blood thinners or have concerns about wound healing.

In these situations, our team may recommend superficial radiation as an alternative treatment option.

4. It leads to good cosmetic outcomes

Because there’s no surgical incision, superficial radiation therapy may produce favorable cosmetic results, particularly in sensitive areas, including your:

Nose
Ears
Lips
Eyelids
Face

Superficial radiation therapy can also be used to treat cancerous spots on your body, not just your face.

5. It has high cure rates

According to research published in Oncology and Therapy, image-guided superficial radiation therapy has a 99% cure rate with low complications for stage 0, 1, or 2 squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas.

What happens during treatment?

Our team administers superficial radiation therapy over multiple treatment sessions. For example, you may need therapy two, three, or four days a week for several weeks.

During each visit:

You sit or lie comfortably
The device is positioned over the cancerous lesion
Low-dose radiation is delivered directly to the skin cancer

The procedure itself is painless, and most appointments take only a short time.

Which treatment is right for you?

For many skin cancers, particularly those located in high-risk areas, Mohs surgery remains the gold standard treatment because of its high cure rates and ability to preserve healthy tissue.

However, treatment decisions like these are highly individualized, and thankfully, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Depending on your diagnosis, medical history, and personal preferences, radiation therapy may be an appropriate alternative.

To sum it up, the best skin cancer treatment for you depends on several factors, including the type of skin cancer, its location, your overall health, and your treatment goals.

If you’re concerned about a suspicious spot or are due for a skin exam, schedule a skin check with us. You can also call (623) 254-7375 to reach one of our three Arizona locations.