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Skin Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy is a common way to treat many skin cancers, such as basal cell and squamous cell cancers, and sometimes melanoma. It uses strong energy (similar to special X-rays) to destroy cancer cells while trying to protect your healthy skin.

How Does It Work?

Think of it like this: radiation therapy targets and damages the tiny parts inside cancer cells that make them grow. This stops them from spreading. While some healthy cells might be affected, they usually heal better than cancer cells. The special energy beams are aimed very carefully at your skin cancer.

Types of Radiation Therapy for Skin Cancer

There are two main ways we provide this treatment:

Outside Treatment (External Beam Radiation Therapy): This is the most common treatment type. A machine outside your body aims the special energy beams at your skin cancer. For skin cancer, we often use a special kind that only goes a short distance into your skin. This helps keep the treatment focused on the surface.
Inside Treatment (Brachytherapy): In this method of treatment, a tiny radioactive source is placed very close to or directly on your skin cancer. This allows us to give a strong dose of energy to a small area, often over a shorter amount of time.

Caring for Your Skin During Treatment

Your care team will give you specific instructions, but here are some general tips:

  • Wash Gently: Use mild soap and lukewarm water on the treated area and then pat it dry.
  • No Strong Products: Avoid perfumed soaps, lotions, makeup, or ointments unless your doctor says it’s okay.
  • Be Gentle: Don’t scrub, rub, or shave the treated area.
  • Wear Soft Clothes: Choose loose-fitting, soft clothing to wear to your treatment appointments.
  • Protect from Sun: Keep the treated area out of direct sunlight. Use sunscreen (if your team recommends it) and wear sun-protective clothing.
  • Avoid Extremes: Don’t use very hot or cold packs on the treated skin.

Always tell your healthcare team about any discomfort or worries you may have. They can help manage any side effects.

Contact Cancer Care of Western New York

If you have additional questions and need to schedule an exam, contact our care center today.

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