What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, is a highly precise treatment that uses focused beams of intense energy, such as X-rays or gamma rays, to destroy the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. This localized treatment can be delivered externally using a large machine called a linear accelerator, or internally via a solid radioactive implant placed in or near the tumor, a technique known as brachytherapy. It is widely used to cure cancer, shrink tumors before surgery, kill remaining cancer cells after surgery, or relieve symptoms caused by advanced disease, with specialists carefully planning treatment to maximize damage to malignant cells while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
Conditions Treated In Dermatology Contexts
While often managed by a dedicated oncology team, radiation therapy is used in dermatology related care for:
- Skin Cancers: Especially basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that are large, located in areas difficult to treat surgically, or in patients who are not surgical candidates due to other health issues.
- Keloids: Radiation is sometimes used following surgical excision of a keloid scar to prevent its recurrence.
Possible Symptoms and Indications for Therapy
Radiation therapy is typically indicated for:
- Confirmed malignancy: A biopsy confirms the presence of skin cancer that is either too extensive for simple excision or located on a sensitive area like the nose or eyelid.
- Recurrence risk: High risk of cancer recurrence after initial treatment.
- Palliative care: To shrink tumors causing pain or discomfort.
The Benefits of Radiation Therapy
While a serious medical undertaking, undergoing planned radiation therapy offers numerous benefits, which we help facilitate at Elevate Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, including:
- Improved Health Outcomes: Achieving local control or cure of skin malignancies, especially in challenging locations.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Providing a non-surgical option for certain tumors, preserving function and tissue structure.
- Increased Confidence and Well-being: Managing the skin and cosmetic outcomes throughout the treatment process.
If you are considering radiation therapy, we recommend consulting a board-certified radiation oncologist. We can direct you to a radiation oncologist who can offer a more thorough understanding of this treatment and discuss whether it’s the right option for you.
