Kennewick, WA HDR Brachytherapy Radiation Treatment for Skin Cancer
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer recently, you’ve likely asked the question, “how is skin cancer treated?”
People commonly think of surgery when they think of skin cancer treatment. However, sometimes surgery is not a good option, or it’s not an effective option. If you have skin cancer and wish to avoid surgery, or you have a stubborn form of skin cancer that has returned after being treated, radiation therapy for skin cancer such as high dose rate brachytherapy, might be a better option for you.
High dose rate brachytherapy, or HDR brachytherapy, is a highly effective treatment for skin cancer. For people who are not candidates for surgery or wish to avoid surgery, HDR brachytherapy radiation treatment for skin cancer is a wonderful option. At Northwest Cancer Clinic, we strive to always be at the forefront of technology when it comes to treating cancer, which is why we offer this type of radiation therapy for skin cancer.
HDR Brachytherapy
Skin cancer treatments are first determined by the type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are types of skin cancer that can be treated with surgery, but can also be treated with radiation. Radiation therapy for skin cancer is a non-invasive treatment option. For patients who have skin cancer in difficult-to-reach areas or patients who have cosmetic concerns, radiation therapy may be preferred over surgery.
HDR brachytherapy radiation treatment for skin cancer has been around for decades. It is one of the best types of radiation therapy for skin cancer because it is so precise, making it ideal for treating skin cancer in sensitive or cosmetically important areas like the face, ears, or nose.
How it Works
A small, radiation-emitting source is placed directly onto the cancerous area, allowing the radiation to effectively target cancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Because this treatment for skin cancer uses high doses of radiation, it only takes a few minutes, and has better cosmetic results.
What to Expect with Skin Cancer Radiation Therapy
HDR brachytherapy radiation treatment for skin cancer is typically done on an outpatient basis, so patients can return home after receiving treatment. Depending on the type of cancer and how large the area is, patients might need to schedule several sessions over several weeks to receive treatment.
Patients may experience redness, swelling, or irritation at the treatment site, similar to a sunburn. These side effects are typically mild and usually go away a couple of weeks after finishing treatment.
Why Choose Northwest Cancer Clinic
When it comes to answering the question, “how is skin cancer treated?” We here at the Northwest Cancer Clinic strive to answer, “as effectively as possible.” We believe the most effective treatment is HDR brachytherapy radiation treatment for skin cancer. In addition to being effective, this treatment for skin cancer is also non-invasive with minimal side effects. Dealing with skin cancer can be overwhelming, but treatment does not need to be. The staff at Northwest Cancer Clinic, led by radiation oncologist, Dr. Juno Choe, are here to offer you the support you need, along with the best radiation therapy treatment for skin cancer in the Tri-Cities area.
