superficial radiation therapy skin cancer San Juan Capistrano, CA

Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) for Skin Cancer in San Juan Capistrano, CA

For patients seeking non-surgical skin cancer treatment, HK Dermatology in San Juan Capistrano, CA offers superficial radiation therapy with the SRT-100™. This safe, painless, and highly effective treatment destroys non-melanoma skin cancer cells without cutting or stitches, making it a strong option for patients who want to avoid the scar that can come with surgery.

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What Is Superficial Radiation Therapy?

The SRT-100™ is a state-of-the-art system used to treat the most common forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). With millions of new cases of these non-melanoma skin cancers diagnosed in the United States every year, HK Dermatology is proud to offer patients an effective alternative to surgery.

The SRT-100™ delivers a precise, low-energy dose of radiation that penetrates only about five millimeters below the skin’s surface. The dose is small but strong enough to destroy non-melanoma skin cancer cells. Because delivery is extremely accurate, healthy surrounding tissue is spared. This means you can have your skin cancer treated without the stitches, surgical scars, or risk of infection associated with surgery.

Benefits of Superficial Radiation Therapy

Superficial radiation therapy is an excellent option for patients who are at greater risk of complications from surgery and for those who want to avoid a surgical scar on visible areas such as the face. Benefits include:

  • Cure rates of approximately 95 percent for appropriate non-melanoma skin cancers
  • No anesthesia
  • No cutting, stitches, or surgical scars
  • Minimal side effects
  • No downtime or lifestyle restrictions
  • Very low risk of infection
  • No need for reconstructive surgery after treatment

Who Is a Good Candidate for SRT?

You may be a good candidate for superficial radiation therapy if you have a non-melanoma skin cancer or a keloid. SRT is often especially well suited for:

  • Older adults or patients with health conditions that make surgery riskier
  • Patients taking blood thinners
  • Skin cancers on the nose, ears, eyelids, lips, and other areas where surgery could affect appearance or function
  • Patients who prefer to avoid surgery and scarring

Your provider will thoroughly review your medical history and examine your skin to determine whether SRT is right for you, or whether Mohs surgery or another treatment is a better option.

What to Expect During Treatment

SRT is delivered in a series of short, painless sessions over several weeks. During each session, the area is positioned under the SRT-100™ applicator, and treatment itself takes only a minute or two. You won’t feel anything during treatment. Over the course of therapy, the treated skin may become pink or red, dry, or scabbed, similar to a sunburn, and then gradually heals. You can continue your normal daily activities throughout treatment.

SRT for Keloids

In addition to treating BCC and SCC, the SRT-100™ is used to treat keloids, raised scars that grow beyond the edges of a wound. Keloids can form after surgery, piercings, acne, chickenpox, or other skin injuries, and they can be painful and unsightly. Traditional keloid removal involves another surgery, with no guarantee that a new keloid won’t form. Treatment with the SRT-100™ after keloid removal significantly reduces the chance of a new keloid forming. See results on our SRT for keloid scars and SRT for skin cancer gallery pages.

Learn More About Skin Cancer Care

Watch patient testimonials about non-surgical skin cancer treatment on our video page, learn about precancerous actinic keratosis, explore our complete skin cancer services, review our insurance information, and visit our new patient page.

SRT Before & After Gallery

See results from patients treated with superficial radiation therapy at HK Dermatology in San Juan Capistrano, CA . Individual results vary.

SRT Radiation Therapy for Skin Cancer

SRT Radiation Therapy for Keloid Scars

Superficial Radiation Therapy FAQs

What is superficial radiation therapy?

Superficial radiation therapy (SRT) uses a precise, low-energy dose of radiation that penetrates only the top layers of skin to destroy non-melanoma skin cancer cells without surgery.

What does SRT treat?

SRT treats basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and it is also used to help prevent keloids from returning after removal.

Is SRT painful?

No. SRT treatments are painless and take only a minute or two per session.

How many SRT sessions will I need?

SRT is delivered in a series of short sessions over several weeks. Your provider will recommend a schedule based on your diagnosis.

Will SRT leave a scar?

SRT does not involve cutting or stitches, so there is no surgical scar. The treated skin may be red or dry temporarily as it heals.

Can SRT treat melanoma?

No. SRT is used for non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is typically treated with surgery.

Is SRT covered by insurance?

SRT for skin cancer is often covered by insurance, including Medicare. Coverage varies, so check with your insurer or our office.

Explore Non-Surgical Skin Cancer Treatment

To learn whether superficial radiation therapy is right for you, call HK Dermatology at (949) 248-1632 or request an appointment online in San Juan Capistrano, CA .

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