Frequently Asked Questions

What do we do at Skin Cancer Centers of America?  

We offer an alternative treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers, including squamous and basal cell carcinomas.  We specialize in superficial radiation therapy with ultrasound guided imagery.  

What is superficial radiation therapy?

Superficial radiation therapy (SRT) is a painless, non-surgical treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers.  At Skin Cancer Centers of America we use low dose energy radiation, similar to the level of radiation that you would receive when xr-ays are taken at your dentist.  In many cases, a simple series of low-dose X-ray treatments can yield a 98% cure rate.  

Does it hurt?  

Not at all!  This procedure is completely painless.  On rare occasions there can be mild skin irritation in the treatment area in the weeks following treatment.  This is a normal response that happens as the area is healing.  

How will it affect my day to day life?  

Unlike surgery or more invasive types of radiation therapy, superficial radiation therapy has a very low impact on day-to-day life. During treatment, you can continue to live your life your way, and thanks to the short treatment times, you don’t need to spend ages at your clinic. You can keep doing all your regular activities and keep taking all your regular medications.  

Are there any side effects? 

Side effects are usually very rare and mild, but they can happen.  Side effects are typically limited to the area receiving therapy. These can include:

• Skin irritation, ranging from redness to peeling and scabbing over
• Changes in skin color
• Hair loss in the area being treated

Will I need follow up treatments? 

Nope!  Once you complete the full series of treatment as recommended by the Doctor, you don’t need to follow up for that lesion anymore.  Success rate is entirely dependent on the patient’s willingness to maintain compliance throughout the treatment plan.