GentleCure™ treatment and more for skin cancer:

Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy

Dermatology Specialists of Illinois blends considerable expertise with the latest, clinically proven, safe, and effective technologies to treat a range of skin conditions, including cancers. There have never been more technologies and treatment options for our patients in Algonquin, Woodstock, Lake Barrington, Huntley, and beyond.

Board-certified dermatologists Drs Vikram “Vic” Khanna and Lauren Boshnick are pleased to introduce GentleCure™ to our vast range of services to help patients put their skin diagnoses behind them. So they can get back to leading their fullest lives!

This revolutionary form of “Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy” (IGSRT) lives up to its name as a kinder, gentler therapy for the skin that takes a tough approach to targeting certain skin cancers.

Effective treatment without surgery

GentleCure™ does not use cutting or incisions to remove skin cancers surgically. Instead, it is based on advancements in IGSRT technology. In fact, it is the first and only skin cancer therapy equipped with ultrasound imaging. This allows patients to visualize the cancer on a monitor. They can see progress at each stage in the treatment process until no visible signs of cancer are left behind.

An alternative to other radiation-based treatments, GentleCure™ largely supports optimal safety, outcomes, and aesthetics by also allowing our clinicians to see and measure the cancer. The advanced imaging that guides this type of SRT helps us to precisely tailor or adapt dosing to your needs at every step in your treatment journey.

What to expect

Due to the gentle nature of this “cure,” there is no associated post-surgical care nor demands on your schedule and body for additional healing and reconstructive surgery. You can maintain your busy and healthy lifestyle throughout treatment—no downtime required.

Each treatment session essentially involves relaxing in one of our treatment chairs. Before administering radiotherapy, we prepare the images that guide precision treatment. This consists of applying ultrasound gel at the cancer site. With the assistance of an imaging wand, a detailed image of the cancer is rendered on a monitor. We review any images. You, too, can see the image for yourself, which enhances the understanding of your needs, treatment, and progress. Pictures truly speak volumes.

Leveraging accurate and clear imaging, we calculate the precise dose of x-ray energy that is necessary during each treatment session. This is based on the size and shape of the cancer. These images also help to guide and define the specific treatment site. With such powerful information in hand, we then apply precisely the correct dose to exactly the right treatment site – while leaving healthy tissues untouched.

Each session only takes about 15 minutes. Treatments are well-tolerated and can be safely completed several times a week. Treatment time varies based on several factors, but usually GentleCure™ takes about four to seven weeks.

Experience the benefits

The innovators behind GentleCure™, SkinCure® Oncology, report in a study of 12,000-plus patients, 99.9% were satisfied with their treatment decision and would recommend Image-Guided SRT to their friends and family. Additionally, they report that this comfortable and surgery-free approach has a more than 99% cure rate when treating basal and squamous cell cancers.

A world of options

Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. There is no one quite like you. So, no two treatment plans will be the same. In addition to GentleCure™ Image-Guided SRT, Dermatology Specialists of Illinois offer a variety of other trusted treatments from our four Chicagoland area offices:

• Mohs Micrographic Surgery – We are among a select group of dermatologists who have completed extensive training in this highly precise approach to treating certain cancers, from those in cosmetic areas (like the face) to challenging or recurrent cases. With MMS, cancer cells are removed, little by little and layer by layer, until no cancer is seen when viewed with a microscope. This allows for utmost tissue preservation and highly targeted treatment.
• Excisional surgery – Trust our expertise to support optimal outcomes and minimize scarring. We can discuss reconstructive options as needed. This approach involves removing the cancerous tissue and small surrounding area (margin) of healthy skin with cutting instruments and techniques. It is tolerated well with localized anesthetic and can be used to remove all sorts of skin cancers.
• Curettage with electrodessication – Our doctors can abrade away the cancer using a special device called a “curette.” After these layers of cancerous cells are removed, any remaining cells are destroyed or cauterized with the application of an electric needle. This procedure may be completed quickly, does not require sutures, and may be appropriate for basal cell and certain squamous cell cancers.
• Chemotherapy – This cancer-fighting medication may be applied in a variety of different ways. As needed, topical creams or lotions are introduced directly to the skin. Or, the anti-cancer drug may be injected into the cancer. These options may present attractive alternatives to the side effects of systemic chemo and surgical intervention, respectively.

There is hope for a cure that is gentle and safe. We encourage anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer or who desires a second opinion to contact our team at Dermatology Specialists of Illinois today. With offices in Algonquin, Woodstock, Lake Barrington, and Huntley, IL, our expertise is certain to be close by. Call (844) 307-7546 with questions and to schedule an appointment.

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