Certain kinds of skin cancer are best treated with superficial radiation therapy. Depending on the type of skin cancer, superficial radiation therapy may be used instead of, or in addition to, surgical excision. One option for delivering superficial radiation therapy is called electronic brachytherapy.
Skin cancer dermatology treatments in Orange County
Electronic brachytherapy uses electricity to produce x-rays from a special tube. The x-rays are used to irradiate the skin lesion. The term “brachytherapy” refers to radiation that is delivered to only a precisely targeted, localized area, meaning that healthy tissues don’t get exposed to radiation.
Electronic brachytherapy has been shown to be very effective in preventing skin cancer from recurring. It also produces an excellent cosmetic result with no scarring and very few side effects.
What can I expect from my skin cancer treatment?
Electronic brachytherapy is usually delivered during six to eight different sessions, over the course of two to four weeks. During each treatment session, a special garment is placed over the patient to protect the rest of the patient from radiation exposure. The electronic radiation source is then placed against the area of skin to be treated and is turned on for a few minutes. The patient will experience no pain or discomfort and can immediately return to normal activities after completion of the treatment.
Electronic brachytherapy treatments usually require fewer treatment sessions than other forms of radiation treatment. Because the patient is not exposed to radioactive isotopes or to wide beams of radiation, there are fewer side effects than from other forms of radiation treatment.
A board-certified dermatologist who specializes in the treatment of skin cancer will be in charge of the treatment. Electronic brachytherapy is ideal for patients interested in getting in, getting treated and moving on with their lives with minimal side effects and no impact on quality of life.