MVP MAGAZINE FEATURE: TOUGH ON CANCER. SENSITIVE ON SKIN.
Did you know that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime? The good news is, when detected and treated early, skin cancer is highly curable. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer with more than 4 million cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. More than 1 million cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Melanoma accounts for less than one percent of skin cancer cases, but the vast majority of skin cancer deaths.
One of the most effective treatment options for skin cancer is Mohs micrographic surgery. Mohs is a highly specialized and precise treatment for skin cancer in which the cancer is removed in stages, one tissue layer at a time. Mohs surgery is the only treatment method that allows the evaluation of skin cancer cells during the in-office procedure, which results in the highest cure rate possible while removing the least amount of normal tissue. It has become the gold standard for skin cancer treatment.
A lesser-known treatment option is Superficial Radiation Therapy or SRT for short. SRT is a painless, safe, and highly effective, non-surgical option for non-melanoma skin cancer treatment. It is revolutionizing skin cancer treatment in a dermatological setting. Unlike traditional radiation that delivers massive amounts of energy that penetrates deep into the body and can cause severe skin reactions, SRT utilizes a small, portable device that delivers very low energy just below the surface of the skin. It treats only skin cancers. Because SRT uses low energy radiotherapy, skin reactions are typically mild and very small. Along with eliminating the risks for post-surgical infections and complications, SRT provides patients with a safe and effective treatment option that offers many benefits, including a 95% + cure rate, no anesthesia, no bleeding, no downtime, no stitches, and no scarring. Most insurances as well as Medicare cover SRT.
Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined. If you find yourself or a loved one dealing with a skin cancer diagnosis, consider all your treatment options before deciding on a care plan. Speaking with a skin cancer expert, such as a board-certified dermatologist, is a great place to start. We can help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs and diagnosis.