SRT-100 is a new non-invasive skin cancer treatment system that uses low-energy radiotherapy to target abnormal cells. Although radiation has been used effectively for over 50 years to treat non-melanoma skin cancers, superficial radiotherapy using the SRT-100 machine significantly reduces the patient’s overall exposure with a targeted beam that penetrates the skin (and just below) thus sparing deeper tissue and other parts of the body. Treatments are painless and anesthetics are not required. Patients may experience redness at the treatment site but bandages are not needed and activities generally do not have to be restricted following the procedure.

With a growing number of adults experiencing non-melanoma skin cancers, we are always looking for less invasive methods of diagnosing and treating all types of skin conditions. This latest technology provides an effective option for our dermatologists when treating patients with two common types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma type). Although Mohs micrographic surgery will still be the preferred method for treating many occurrences of skin cancers, the Sensus SRT-100 is an outstanding alternative. There are no shots, no needles, no cutting, no stitches and no bandages. Similar to the Mohs technique, the treatment is specifically targeted to just the diameter of the skin cancer and a small margin surrounding it.

This revolutionary treatment process takes about 15 minutes with the actual exposure time being measured in seconds. Since tumor cells divide more rapidly than normal skin cells, the radiation targets abnormal cells by disrupting cell division. Radiation treatments do however require multiple treatments and these are normally performed 2 to 3 times per week for 4 to 6 weeks. Once the doctor has finished the series of treatments using the SRT-100, the pinkish area of the skin and the skin’s texture will return to normal. There is minimal to no scarring but the treated area may develop a slightly lighter color over time. Since radiation can cause a permanent loss of hair in a treatment area, our dermatologist use discretion while treating hair bearing areas.