Radiation Therapy for Skin Cancer Treatment
An Effective, Non-Invasive Option for Targeting Skin Cancer
For some patients with skin cancer, radiation may be the first line of treatment. For basal cell, squamous cell carcinomas and melanoma in places where surgery would be difficult due to risk of post operative infection and delay in wound healing, radiation is a good option. Also, some patients may not be candidates for surgery due to frailty or the type of medications they are on. Radiation therapy is also used as the main treatment when large areas of skin are affected by cancer. Radiation can also be combined with other treatments. For instance, radiation may be prescribed after surgery to prevent recurrence.
Radiation therapy is similar to getting an X-ray, but the radiation is high-intensity and much more precise. Often, your treatment is broken into short sessions that are repeated over days or weeks. Small, high-intensity doses spare surrounding tissue and prevent side effects.
Understanding Radiation Therapy for Skin Cancer
Radiation therapy offers an effective treatment option for skin cancer, especially for patients where surgery may not be suitable. For basal cell, squamous cell carcinomas and melanoma in places where surgery would be difficult due to risk of post operative infection and delay in wound healing, radiation is a good option. Radiation is indicated in high recurrence risk cases to prevent recurrence of skin cancer.
Radiation may also be the primary treatment for patients who cannot undergo surgery due to multiple medical co-morbidities. When larger areas of skin are affected by cancer, radiation therapy can effectively target these regions, sometimes in combination with other treatments to prevent recurrence.
Non-Invasive Treatment:
Ideal for patients unable to undergo surgery.
Precision Targeting:
Focuses high-intensity radiation on cancerous cells while sparing surrounding tissues.
Applicable for Sensitive Areas:
For basal cell, squamous cell carcinomas and melanoma in places where surgery would be difficult due to risk of post operative infection and delay in wound healing, radiation is a good option.
Combination Treatment:
Often used alongside surgery to minimize the risk of cancer returning.
Treatment Sessions:
Administered in short, manageable sessions over days or weeks to control cancer growth effectively.
