Radiation Therapy

What is Radiation for Skin Cancer?

Radiation therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells in the skin while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. It is most commonly used to treat non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).

Radiation works by delivering controlled doses of energy directly to the affected area, damaging cancer cells and preventing them from growing or dividing. Over time, the treated cells die and are naturally eliminated by the body.

While surgical treatments such as Mohs surgery remain the gold standard for many skin cancers, radiation therapy is an important, evidence-based alternative in appropriately selected patients.

When is Radiation Used?

Radiation therapy may be recommended in several scenarios:

• Patients who prefer to avoid surgery
• Patients who are not good surgical candidates due to age, medical conditions, or medications
• Tumors in cosmetically sensitive areas (face, nose, ears, eyelids)
• Recurrent skin cancers after prior treatment
• Adjunct (post-surgical) therapy for high-risk tumors to reduce recurrence risk

According to dermatology and oncology guidelines, radiation therapy is typically considered when surgery is not feasible or when patient-specific factors make non-surgical management more appropriate.

Types of Radiation Therapy We Offer

Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)

A highly targeted form of radiation that treats cancers limited to the skin surface. It penetrates only a shallow depth, helping preserve underlying structures while effectively treating the tumor.

Brachytherapy

A technique where a radiation source is placed directly at or near the tumor site for highly localized treatment.

Who is a Good Candidate?

You may be a candidate for radiation if you:

• Have basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma
• Have tumors in areas where surgery may affect cosmetic or functional outcomes
• Are unable or unwilling to undergo surgery
• Have multiple lesions or medical conditions that increase surgical risk
• Require post-operative radiation for high-risk features

Radiation is particularly effective for superficial, well-defined tumors and can provide excellent cosmetic results.

Treatment Process

1. Consultation & Evaluation

You will meet with our dermatology and radiation oncology team to determine if radiation therapy is appropriate for your condition.

2. Treatment Planning

We assess:

• Tumor type and depth
• Location and size
• Your medical history

A customized treatment plan is created to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects.

3. Treatment Sessions

• Typically delivered 2 times per week over several weeks
• Each session lasts only a few minutes
• Non-invasive and painless

Benefits of Radiation Therapy

• Non-surgical and non-invasive
• No stitches or surgical downtime
• Excellent cosmetic outcomes, especially for facial lesions
• High local control rates (often >90%) in appropriate cases
• Suitable for patients with complex medical conditions

Risks and Potential Side Effects

Radiation therapy is generally well tolerated, but potential side effects may include:

• Mild skin irritation (redness, dryness, peeling)
• Temporary swelling or tenderness
• Pigment changes (lightening or darkening of skin)
• Rare long-term effects such as scarring or fibrosis
• Very rare risk of secondary malignancy

Our team carefully monitors all patients to minimize risks and ensure safe treatment.

Why Choose Thomas Dermatology?

• Collaborative Dermatology + Radiation Oncology approach
• Access to advanced, image-guided radiation technologies
• Focus on patient-centered treatment decisions
• Expertise in both surgical and non-surgical skin cancer care

We provide comprehensive care so patients can choose the treatment that best fits their medical needs and personal preferences.