Superficial Radiotherapy (SRT) for Skin Cancer
Superficial radiotherapy, often called SRT, is a non-surgical way to treat many common skin cancers. Using low-energy X-ray beams that reach only a few millimeters below the surface of the skin, SRT destroys cancerous cells while sparing the healthy tissue underneath. Because the energy stays close to the surface, it offers an effective alternative to surgery for the right patients, with no cutting, stitches, or anesthesia. Treatments are performed comfortably in our office on an outpatient basis.
Why patients consider SRT:
No cutting, stitches, or surgical scarring
No anesthesia and essentially painless treatment
Performed right in our office on an outpatient basis
Little to no downtime, so you can keep up your daily routine
High published cure rates for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers
A good alternative when surgery is challenging or undesirable
What Skin Cancers Can SRT Treat?
SRT is most often used for the two most common forms of non-melanoma skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers are usually caused by years of sun and ultraviolet exposure, and they appear most frequently on the face, ears, scalp, neck, and other areas that are difficult to treat with surgery. SRT can be an excellent choice when surgery would be challenging, when a patient prefers to avoid an incision, or when other health conditions make a non-invasive option more appealing.
How Does SRT Work?
SRT delivers a precisely calibrated dose of low-energy X-rays directly to the area of the skin cancer. This radiation damages the DNA within the cancer cells so they can no longer divide and eventually die off. Modern systems pair this treatment with high-resolution ultrasound imaging, which lets the physician see the exact depth and width of the tumor and tailor the dose accordingly. Because the imaging shows the cancer shrinking over the course of treatment, both the patient and the care team can track progress along the way. A typical course involves a series of short sessions spread over several weeks.
Benefits of Superficial Radiotherapy
For many patients, SRT offers a comfortable and convenient path to clearing skin cancer. There is no cutting, bleeding, or surgical scarring, and no need for stitches or reconstructive procedures. Treatments are done right in the dermatology office, so there is no hospital stay, and most people are able to continue their normal daily activities with little to no downtime. The sessions are essentially painless and do not require anesthesia, and wound care is minimal. Published research reports very high cure rates for non-melanoma skin cancers treated with SRT, making it both an effective and a gentle option for the right candidates.
What to Expect
Because the radiation only reaches the upper layers of the skin, healthy tissue beneath and around the treatment site is largely protected. Side effects are usually mild and limited to the treated area, such as redness, dryness, or some tenderness that resolves over time. Each visit is brief, and patients can typically drive themselves to and from appointments. Your dermatologist will review your diagnosis, discuss whether SRT is appropriate for your specific cancer, and walk you through the full treatment plan before getting started.
Is SRT Right for You?
Every skin cancer and every patient is different, and the best treatment is the one suited to your diagnosis and your overall health and lifestyle. If you have been diagnosed with a basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer and would like to learn whether superficial radiotherapy is a good fit, schedule a consultation with our board-certified dermatology team in Sellersville or New Hope. We will help you understand all of your options and choose the approach that is right for you.