Services
Superficial radiation therapy
Low-energy X-ray treatment for certain skin cancers and keloids, with no cutting or anesthesia.
What is SRT?
Superficial radiation therapy (SRT) uses low-energy X-rays that stay near the surface of the skin. The energy is aimed at the spot being treated, which limits the dose that reaches deeper tissue. There is no cutting, no stitches and no anesthesia. Our clinic uses the SRT-100™.
What it is used for
- Certain basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, usually ones that are small and close to the surface.
- Keloids, most often right after a keloid is surgically removed, to help lower the chance that it grows back.
SRT is not a fit for every skin cancer. Deeper or more aggressive tumors are usually treated in other ways.
Who it may suit
For most basal and squamous cell skin cancers, surgery such as excision or Mohs is the usual first choice. SRT may be an option in particular situations, which you and your provider decide on together. For example:
- People for whom surgery carries more risk, such as some older adults, people with several health conditions or people who take blood thinners.
- People who would prefer to avoid surgery, after talking through the options.
- Cancers in places where surgery is harder or could affect how the area looks or works, such as the nose, ears or eyelids.
What a course of treatment is like
- Consultation. Your provider confirms the diagnosis, usually with a biopsy, and talks with you about whether SRT fits.
- Schedule. Treatment is usually about twice a week, for about 14 sessions in all. Your provider will set the exact plan for you.
- Each visit. SRT is non-surgical and needs no anesthesia. You sit or lie still while an applicator rests over the area. The treatment itself takes less than 90 seconds. Most visits take about 7 minutes from the time you walk in to the time you leave.
- Afterward. Most people return to normal activities right after each visit. Redness usually appears after several treatments, followed by a scab as new skin heals underneath.
- Follow-up. Regular skin checks after the course is complete.
Possible side effects
Side effects are usually limited to the treated area and can include:
- Redness and skin irritation, which can build during the course
- Dryness, peeling or crusting
- Changes in skin color in the treated area, which can be lasting
- Hair loss in the treated area
Tell your provider about any skin changes that worry you during or after treatment.
Using a cancer insurance policy
Some patients have a supplemental cancer insurance policy, such as one from Aflac. This is separate from your health insurance. Instead of paying the clinic, it usually pays cash benefits directly to you, on top of what your health insurance covers, to help with costs like deductibles, co-pays, travel or time off work.
Radiation treatment, including superficial radiation therapy, often qualifies for a benefit under these policies. Other treatments, such as skin cancer surgery or Mohs surgery, may or may not qualify, and some policies limit or exclude certain skin cancers. Benefits depend on your policy, so please check with your insurer.
If you have a cancer policy, let us know at your first visit. Our team completes and submits the claim paperwork for you at the end of your treatment course.
SRT at The Skin Clinic
Our providers see patients at different locations on a rotating schedule, so please call your nearest location to ask.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your provider about whether SRT, surgery or another treatment is right for you.
Sources American Academy of Dermatology: Keloid scars, diagnosis and treatment (opens in new tab) · American Cancer Society: Radiation therapy for squamous cell skin cancer (opens in new tab) · StatPearls (NCBI): AAD guidelines on superficial radiation and brachytherapy (opens in new tab) · Sensus Healthcare: SRT-100 (device information) (opens in new tab)