Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)

While living in the sunshine state of Florida, it is often very hard to avoid the harmful effects of UV rays. Overexposure to UV rays is the number one cause of skin cancer in many persons around the world today. At Dermatology Southeast, non-melanoma skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma can be treated non-invasively with Sensus Healthcare’s line of superficial radiation therapy (SRT) devices. SRT therapy painlessly and effectively targets skin cancer with little to no effect on the healthy surrounding tissue.

If you're in Jacksonville, FL, contact us today to treat your skin cancer with an effective, non-invasive approach without causing damage to any of your surrounding tissue!

One of the newest innovations for non-melanoma skin cancer treatment is superficial radiation therapy (SRT). Our team at Dermatology Southeast is thrilled to feature the SRT-100 Vision™. This device uses low-level x-ray energy to target and destroy non-melanoma skin cancer cells and has many benefits. Although only going skin deep, it is able to target cancer cells with more accuracy, and the intensity of the waves can be modified based on your treatment progress over time. The SRT-100 Vision has a proven track record of effectiveness.

SRT treatments are very quick and easy. Depending on your needs, typically, patients will have 8 – 12 treatments over 4 – 6 weeks. There are no needles or incisions, you simply come in, and within minutes you are done. Afterward, some patients may have a sunburn sensation at the treatment area or itching, flaking, or crusting.

What is the cure rate of Basal & Squamous Cell skin cancer when treated with the SRT-100™/SRT-Vision™?

The treatment has a cure rate of over 98%.

Is SRT a safe treatment option?

SRT is a proven technology to treat non-melanoma skin cancers, actinic keratosis, and Kaposi’s sarcoma. It is safe and proven effective. It is utilized by dermatologists and radiation oncologists all over the world as a proven treatment with proven outcomes. During each treatment session, the patient will be fully shielded with protective lead equipment. There is no scattered radiation emitted from SRT-100™/SRT-Vision™, and the state-of-the-art lead-shielded radiotherapy suite is certified by a licensed physicist.

How often and how long is a typical treatment?

Depending on the treatment protocol Dr. Pentel chooses for your particular case, you may be required to have 1 – 3 treatments per week for up to 4 – 9 weeks. Each treatment can last as long as 90 seconds.

What should I expect from SRT treatment? 

Treatment sessions will be fast and painless. Throughout the treatment course, the treatment area will become red and feel like a sunburn. You may develop itching, crusting, and mild swelling. If the area becomes painful or blisters, please inform us, so we can assess the treatment. After the treatment, the area will heal into smooth skin. Normal skin coloration will return approximately three months after the last treatment session. There is a chance of hypo or hyperpigmentation of the treatment area as well as atrophy, which is a slight depression of the skin.

What happens after I finish all my treatment sessions?

You will have a follow-up appointment in eight weeks after your last treatment session. At this time, we will assess the healing of the site. Because you have completed all treatment sessions according to your personalized protocol, you are considered cancer-free at this site. You do not need another biopsy of the site unless indicated by visual examination. We will continue to monitor the site at your full body skin checks, which should be scheduled at least every six months. Please be sure to cover the site or apply sunscreen if in the sun for at least one year post-treatment.

Can I take a break or miss treatment sessions?

Treatment sessions may be missed if necessary. For optimal efficacy, it is best to complete your sessions according to your protocol. If treatment sessions are missed, you may have to do an additional treatment session at the end of your scheduled treatments.

Is Superficial Radiotherapy (SRT) covered by my health insurance carrier?

Radiotherapy for non-melanoma skin cancer is medically necessary and is covered by Medicare and most PPO private health insurance carriers. Pre-authorization is not necessary for Medicare patients. For private health insurance carriers, our office will work with you to get pre-certification/pre-authorization for SRT. Your out-of-pocket expense would depend on your deductible and co-insurance.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 20% of U.S. adults will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. With the cutting-edge SRT treatment for skin cancer, our experienced team at Dermatology Southeast can safely and effectively target skin cancer, eliminate it, and help keep your skin healthier while preserving your overall health. If you're in Jacksonville, FL, and need treatment for skin cancer, contact us today to learn more about SRT and schedule a consultation. Let us help keep your skin healthy and happy so you can love your skin.

Learn More