SRT (Superficial Radiation Therapy)
If you’re worried about skin cancer or struggling with scars that won’t heal well, Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) might be a helpful option. SRT is a gentle, non-surgical treatment that works well for common skin cancers like basal and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as stubborn scars called keloids. Many people choose this treatment because it’s non-invasive, doesn’t leave scars and is safe for sensitive areas like the face, neck or hands. Texas Dermatology offers SRT as an effective treatment to help patients reclaim their health, confidence and peace of mind.
What Is Superficial Radiation Therapy?
Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) is a non-invasive treatment used in dermatology primarily to treat skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as keloids. SRT works by delivering low-dose radiation that penetrates only the skin’s outer layers, effectively targeting abnormal cells without affecting deeper tissues. This targeted approach allows SRT to destroy cancerous cells or reduce abnormal scar tissue with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue.
Benefits Of Treatment
The benefits of SRT include its non-invasive nature, pain-free experience and minimal recovery time. Let’s take a closer look at more benefits of SRT at Texas Dermatology:
- Patients do not need incisions or anesthesia, and the treatment leaves no scars, making it particularly valuable for cosmetic-sensitive areas.
- SRT is also highly effective, achieving over a 95% cure rate for certain skin cancers and a significantly lower recurrence rate for keloids.
- For those who prefer to avoid surgery or who may not be suitable candidates for surgical options, SRT offers a convenient and reliable alternative.
- For skin cancer, the treated area may show improvement within several weeks to months as cancerous cells are gradually cleared and skin heals.
- For keloids, patients generally notice a reduction in scar tissue growth shortly after treatment, with continued improvement in scar appearance and texture over several months.
How it Works
Keloid Scars
Keloid scars are the result of overactive fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen. In keloid formation, fibroblasts continue producing collagen even after a wound has healed, creating raised, sometimes painful or itchy scar tissue that extends beyond the original injury site. When SRT is applied after surgical removal of a keloid, it addresses the root cause of keloid formation.
Targeting Fibroblast Activity
SRT delivers a controlled dose of radiation to the post-surgical site, which slows down fibroblast activity in the skin. By targeting these cells, SRT helps reduce the risk of excessive collagen production that would otherwise lead to new scar tissue growth.
Preventing Keloid Recurrence
By suppressing fibroblast activity, SRT effectively minimizes the chance of a keloid returning. Research shows that SRT can reduce the recurrence rate of keloids to less than 10%, making it an effective option for those prone to keloid formation.
Non-Invasive & Targeted
SRT’s radiation does not penetrate deeply into the skin, meaning it focuses only on the areas prone to scarring, leaving deeper tissues unaffected. This localized approach helps ensure a minimal side effect profile while still providing long-term benefits in controlling keloid growth.
Skin Cancer
For non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), SRT offers a non-invasive alternative to surgical excision by disrupting the ability of cancer cells to grow and replicate.
Radiation Targeting Cancer Cell DNA
SRT directs low-energy photon radiation just below the skin’s surface, specifically where BCC and SCC cells reside. This radiation impacts the DNA within the cancer cells, breaking DNA strands or causing mutations that prevent the cells from successfully replicating.
Cell Death & Natural Clearance
Once the DNA in cancer cells is disrupted, these cells can no longer divide, and they gradually undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death). The immune system then clears away these non-viable cells, reducing the size of the cancerous lesion over time until it eventually disappears.
Protecting Healthy Skin
SRT’s low-energy radiation doesn’t penetrate deeply, making it ideal for targeting surface-level cancers with precision. This specificity allows for treatment of cancerous areas while sparing nearby healthy tissue, minimizing damage to the surrounding skin and reducing the risk of scarring.
Announcing SRT/EBT With Xstrahl
At Texas Dermatology, we are pleased to offer innovative SRT therapy with the Xstrahl Radiant System. This is a non-invasive treatment designed to target non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as keloids. The Xstrahl Radiant System delivers precise, low-energy radiation directly to the skin’s surface, effectively destroying cancerous or abnormal cells while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. In addition to SRT, Xstrah offers Electronic Brachytherapy (EBT), a form of radiation therapy that delivers low-energy X-rays directly to cancerous or abnormal tissue
This painless, in-office procedure offers an alternative to surgical excision, making it ideal for patients who may not be candidates for surgery or prefer a non-surgical approach with minimal scarring. With its advanced technology, the Xstrahl Radiant System ensures controlled radiation dosing, allowing for effective treatment with high cure rates and reduced side effects.
FAQs
Is SRT Safe & Are There Side Effects?
SRT is considered a safe, effective treatment for skin cancers and keloids with minimal risk of side effects. Common side effects may include mild redness, irritation, or peeling in the treated area, which typically subsides within a few days to weeks.
How Many Sessions Are Required?
The number of sessions depends on the condition being treated. Skin cancer patients usually require around 10-15 sessions over several weeks, while keloid treatment requires 3 sessions following surgical removal to prevent regrowth. During your initial consultation with Texas Dermatology, we will discuss an ideal timeline for your treatment.
Does SRT Leave Scars?
SRT is non-invasive and leaves no scars, making it ideal for visible areas of the face and body. Recovery is minimal, with most patients resuming normal activities immediately and experiencing only mild skin sensitivity at the treatment site.
How Soon Will I See Results?
For skin cancer, results may take several weeks to a few months as the body gradually eliminates cancerous cells. In keloid treatment, improvement is typically seen within weeks, with continued reduction in scar tissue over the following months.
Why Choose Texas Dermatology For SRT
Choosing Texas Dermatology for Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) ensures access to a team of board-certified dermatologists with extensive experience in non-surgical skin cancer treatments. The clinic utilizes advanced SRT technology to deliver precise, low-dose radiation therapy that effectively targets cancerous cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
With a commitment to patient-centered care, Texas Dermatology provides personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs, ensuring optimal outcomes in a comfortable and supportive environment, offering Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) at the Alamo Heights location. Connect with us today to begin your journey!
