GentleCure Image Guided SRT for skin cancer
When a diagnosis of skin cancer is given to a patient, they may feel overwhelmed at the medical choices they need to make to get themselves back to health. Treatment options vary depending on the type, severity, and even the location of the skin cancer and can cause patients to struggle in choosing the method of treatment most suitable for them. For some patients who visit Dr. Christine Lee and her experienced team at The Skin and Laser Treatment Institute of Walnut Creek, California, one option for consideration is skin cancer radiotherapy with the GentleCure Image Guided SRT device.
What is the GentleCure Image Guided SRT?
SRT is an acronym for “superficial radiation therapy” and is a specialized way of treating skin cancer with radiation. Radiation therapy is a common treatment that is performed for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer and is an alternative to chemotherapy. Radiation is the use of X-ray energy at low levels to kill cancer cells. It is performed by a trusted and experienced professional at our dermatology office. It is the first and only radiation treatment that integrates ultrasound images to effectively view the area of cancer and target it with precision doses of x-ray energy. The ultrasound images are also used to monitor the cancer to ensure it is shrinking with each radiation treatment.
What are the benefits of using the GentleCure Image Guided SRT device?
There are many reasons why our patients love GentleCure Image Guided SRT for the treatment of skin cancer. This device:
- Requires no surgery and cutting, eliminating the need for reconstructive surgery
- Doesn’t cause bleeding, pain, or surgical scarring
- Is done quickly and easily at our dermatologist’s office with no necessity to visit the hospital
- Does not require downtime and recovery, creating no limits on your normal daily activities
- Uses ultrasound imaging to monitor the cancer and ensure treatment is working as desired
- Has high satisfaction ratings from those who have used it to treat areas of skin cancer
Are there any side effects to using the GentleCare Image Guided SRT device?
Most medical procedures come with some risk of side effects, and this treatment is no different. There are some potential after-effects for patients to be aware of when choosing this treatment option for skin cancer. These include:
- Mild to moderate irritation and redness in the treatment area
- Breakdown of the skin or thinning
- Increased risk for skin infection
- Changes in the skin’s color, turning lighter or darker
- Possible hair loss in the treated area
- Skin ulcers, though these are rare
- Recurrence of cancer in the same area up to 40 years following treatment
Does my health insurance policy cover GentleCure Image Guided SRT?
Dr. Christine Lee always wants patients to have access to affordable care, especially when treating serious concerns such as skin cancer. She finds that most insurance policies, including Medicare, provide coverage for this treatment, which can reduce or sometimes even eliminate any out-of-pocket costs for skin cancer treatment at her office using the GentleCure Image Guided SRT device.
How does treatment using GentleCure Image Guided SRT compare to Mohs micrographic surgery?
Another common treatment for areas of skin cancer includes Mohs micrographic surgery, which is a type of excision method that is often used when cancer develops on highly visible areas of the face or body that may need more direct and precision removal. However, it can be replaced with GentleCure Image Guided SRT in many cases, as this treatment does not require incisions. While both are effective ways of addressing skin cancer, there may be a clearer choice for one patient versus another, depending on the patient’s unique situation.
Mohs micrographic surgery is often a one-and-done procedure, while image-guided SRT using the GentleCure device often requires several short treatments spaced apart over several weeks. However, there is no scarring, and anesthesia is not needed for SRT, making it a highly desirable choice for many of our patients who visit us at our Walnut Creek, California, office. Both treatment options have a high success rate of curing cancer, ensuring long-term results and peace of mind!
Where can I find a dermatologist for skin cancer near me in my community?
Dr. Christine Lee and her dedicated team at The Skin and Laser Treatment Institute believe in providing the best quality treatments for new and returning patients. If you live in or around the area of Walnut Creek, California, and have been diagnosed with skin cancer, you have various options for treatment.
Call the office today at (925) 528-0117 to request an upcoming consultation appointment to learn more about the use of superficial radiation therapy, or SRT, to address areas of skin cancer. The office is conveniently located at 370 North Wiget Lane, Suite #125.
