Superficial radiotherapy treatment, or SRT, available to Algonquin, IL area patients
Posted by Dr. Vikram Khanna
What is SRT?
SRT is a non-surgical treatment for skin cancer. It stands for Superficial Radiotherapy Treatments, or Superficial Radiation Therapy. It provides an option for patients with skin cancer that eliminates invasive surgeries. Instead of undergoing surgery and dealing with stitches and scarring, this method treats skin cancer in visible areas of the face and body without incisions. The team of Dermatology Specialists of Illinois believes in helping patients address their medical concerns in the most conservative way.How is SRT performed?
SRT treatments are performed right in our office. With radiation administered right where it’s needed, we can treat skin cancer non-surgically. Treatments take approximately fifteen minutes or less, and patients will want to schedule approximately 12-16 visits to successfully treat the area. SRT is perfect for patients who have non-melanoma skin cancer on the facial area and want to avoid scarring from excision procedures.How does SRT work?
SRT works by treating the skin cancer with the alteration of abnormal DNA in the cancer cells. Not only does this prevent the cancerous cells from spreading but it destroys malignant skin cancers. This low level of radiotherapy is completely safe and doesn’t penetrate too deep into the skin. It is best at targeting cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, curing many of our patients of their cancers. It is best for superficial cancers, not those that run deep. Situations such as that may require treatments such as Mohs micrographic surgery instead.CALL OUR OFFICE
What are the benefits of SRT?
SRT is:- Pain-free
- Gentle
- Concentrated
- Aesthetic
- Versatile
- Proven
- Affordable
When might patients need other treatments?
There are many different types of skin cancer, and there are also many different types of treatments. Some treatments work better than others, depending on the diagnosis. Other treatments such as surgical excision with Mohs micrographic surgery may be better for one patient versus another. Therefore, an evaluation with a board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Vikram Khanna is important. It allows him the opportunity to determine the type of cancer and then assist patients in choosing a procedure to treat it that is best for their specific needs. Getting a diagnosis of cancer can be scary, but treatment doesn’t have to be. 
