Superficial Radiation Therapy for skin cancer Fayetteville Griffin Zebulon GA

Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)

Not every skin cancer requires surgery. At Fayette Area Dermatology, serving Fayetteville, Griffin, and Zebulon, GA, our providers offer Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT), a non-surgical treatment for certain basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas that destroys cancer cells without cutting, stitches, or significant downtime. Call (770) 460-8988 - Fayetteville Office , (770) 460-8988 - Griffin Office or (770) 460-8988 - Zebulon Office or schedule an appointment online to learn whether SRT is right for you.

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What Is Superficial Radiation Therapy?

Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment for certain types of non-melanoma skin cancer. SRT delivers a precise, controlled dose of low-energy radiation that penetrates only the outer layers of the skin. This energy destroys cancer cells at the treatment site while sparing the healthy tissue underneath. Because there is no cutting, bleeding, or stitches, SRT can be an excellent alternative to surgery for the right patient.

Conditions Treated With SRT

SRT is most commonly used to treat:

  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen’s disease)

In some cases, SRT may also be used to help prevent keloid scars from returning after removal. Your provider will determine whether SRT is appropriate based on the type, size, depth, and location of your skin cancer.

Who Is a Good Candidate for SRT?

SRT may be a good option for patients who:

  • Have a basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma that has not spread
  • Prefer to avoid surgery, cutting, and stitches
  • Are older or have medical conditions that make surgery more risky
  • Take blood thinners or have a history of poor wound healing
  • Have cancer on a cosmetically sensitive area, such as the nose, ears, eyelids, or lips, where surgery could cause noticeable scarring

For some skin cancers, Mohs surgery remains the preferred treatment. Your provider will review all of your options so you can make an informed decision.

What to Expect During SRT

SRT is performed in the office and requires no anesthesia. During each session, your provider positions a small applicator directly over the treatment area and protects the surrounding skin with shielding. The radiation is delivered for about a minute, and you won’t feel anything during treatment. Most patients need a series of short sessions over several weeks to fully treat the cancer. You can return to your normal routine immediately after each visit.

Recovery and Side Effects

SRT has minimal downtime. Over the course of treatment, the treated skin may become red, dry, or tender, similar to a sunburn, and it may crust or peel before healing. These effects are temporary and usually resolve within a few weeks after your final session. Over time, the treated area may appear slightly lighter than the surrounding skin. Your provider will give you simple aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up visits to confirm the cancer has been successfully treated.

Benefits of Superficial Radiation Therapy

  • Non-surgical with no cutting, bleeding, or stitches
  • No anesthesia required
  • Quick, painless treatment sessions
  • Minimal risk of scarring
  • Little to no downtime
  • Preserves healthy surrounding tissue
  • Well suited for hard-to-treat areas of the face and head

Regular skin exams remain important after treatment to detect any new skin cancers early. Explore our other dermatology services to learn more about how we protect your skin.

Superficial Radiation Therapy FAQs

Is Superficial Radiation Therapy painful?

No. SRT is painless during treatment. Some patients experience mild redness or tenderness in the treated area over the course of therapy, similar to a sunburn.

How effective is SRT for skin cancer?

For appropriately selected basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, SRT has high cure rates. Your provider will discuss expected results based on your diagnosis.

How many SRT sessions will I need?

Most patients need a series of short sessions spread over several weeks. Your provider will create a schedule based on the size and type of your skin cancer.

Does SRT leave a scar?

SRT has a low risk of scarring because no incision is made. The treated area may become slightly lighter in color over time.

Can SRT treat melanoma?

No. SRT is used for non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma requires different treatment.

Is SRT safe?

Yes. SRT uses low-energy radiation that only penetrates the outer layers of skin, so it does not reach deeper organs or tissues.

How do I know if I should choose SRT or Mohs surgery?

Your provider will consider the type, size, depth, and location of your cancer, along with your health and preferences, to recommend the best option. Learn more about Mohs surgery.

Explore Non-Surgical Skin Cancer Treatment

Find out if Superficial Radiation Therapy is right for you. Call (770) 460-8988 - Fayetteville Office , (770) 460-8988 - Griffin Office or (770) 460-8988 - Zebulon Office or request an appointment online with Fayette Area Dermatology.

Request an Appointment