Conditions

Skin Cancer Treatment

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, and early, targeted treatment gives patients the best long-term outcome. At Cancer Care of Western New York, our team treats basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and select cases of melanoma using advanced radiation therapy protocols designed to eliminate cancer cells while preserving healthy skin and cosmetic appearance.

How Radiation Therapy for Skin Cancer Works

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, similar to specialized X-rays, to destroy the DNA of cancer cells so they can no longer grow or divide. Cancerous cells are less able to repair this damage than healthy cells, which allows surrounding tissue to recover while the tumor is broken down. For skin cancer, radiation is often chosen when surgery isn’t ideal because of the tumor’s location (near the eye, nose, ear or lip), the patient’s age or health, or when it’s used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Types of Radiation Therapy for Skin Cancer

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)

The most common approach for skin cancer. A machine outside the body directs a precisely shaped beam of radiation at the lesion over a series of short sessions. Because skin cancers are on the surface, treatment can usually be delivered with minimal impact on deeper tissue.

Brachytherapy

Places a small radioactive source directly on or next to the affected area. It’s often used for cancers in cosmetically sensitive locations because it concentrates the dose exactly where it’s needed and shortens the overall treatment course. Learn more about the technologies we use across our WNY centers.

Caring for Your Skin During Treatment

The treated area will need extra care throughout your course of radiation. Patients are advised to wash gently with mild soap and lukewarm water, avoid perfumed lotions, deodorants or products unless approved by the care team, and refrain from scrubbing, rubbing or shaving the area. Loose, soft clothing helps prevent irritation, and sun protection with broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective garments is essential both during and after treatment. Extremes of heat and cold, including ice packs and heating pads, should be avoided on the treatment site.