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By Gil Cortes, MD, FAAD
Each year, more than four million new cases of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed in the United States each year. Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequently occurring form of skin cancer and is closely followed by squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
Skin cancer can be caused by intense sun exposure as well as cumulative sun exposure over time. It is an abnormal, uncontrolled growth or lesion on the skin and can look like an open sore, red patch, pink growth, shiny bump or scar.
Unlike some forms of cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin rarely spread beyond the original tumor sight, nor are they likely to be life threatening. They can, however, become disfiguring if not treated promptly.
Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatment
Patients dealing with these skin cancers have several treatment options available to them, including: Mohs micrographic surgery, excisional surgery, electro surgery, cryosurgery and laser surgery. But these treatments all have one thing in common: the word surgery.
Patients now have another option: Superficial Radiotherapy, or SRT — a non-surgical treatment for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. It is the best non-surgical choice for removing non-melanoma skin cancer available today.
Superficial Radiotherapy (SRT) delivers a precise, calibrated, low dose of energy that effectively destroys basal cell and Squamous cell skin cancers. No anesthesia, cutting or stitching required. It is painless and causes no bleeding. With this treatment, there is no risk of infection or scarring and no need for future reconstructive plastic surgery. This in office procedure successfully treats basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, with no residual downtime or lifestyle restrictions after treatment. Which means you can get back to more important things, like that game of golf.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved SRT as a safe and effective treatment for Non-Melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinomas. The procedure takes just minutes to complete and offers the same cure rates as surgical treatments, destroying skin cancer without any collateral damage to healthy skin cells. It is ideal for patients who wish to avoid the pain and scarring associated with surgery.
Performed right in the Dermatologists office, Superficial Radiotherapy delivers optimum results to treat skin cancer without the negative side effects of invasive treatments or anesthetics. This is of particular concern in patients who have existing medical conditions that may make surgery a serious health risk.
Superficial Radiotherapy (SRT) is an excellent treatment option that is well covered by most insurance plans. Recently Medicare expanded its coverage for SRT, making it easier for patients to benefit from this effective treatment option.
If you have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, and would like to know more about SRT, visit NovuDermatology.com and watch a video tutorial to find out more. You may also schedule an appointment with the Dermatologist at NOVU Dermatology, one of the few Dermatology offices that provides this service in the central Florida area; with the latest technology in SRT.
Gil Cortes, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist
NOVU Dermatology
(352) 775-3565
www.novudermatology.com
Rolling Oaks Professional Plaza
929 N. US Hwy 441 Suite 603
Lady Lake, FL 32159
