How Radiation Therapy Is Used to Treat Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers globally, yet it is also curable, especially when found in the initial stages. Surgery, though being the first treatment option of choice, is followed by a second alternative supported by radiation therapy as well, which is usually prescribed by physicians in specific cases. If you, or a loved one, have skin cancer, it is helpful to understand how radiation therapy works and when it is used. This article explains it all, so let’s get started!

What Is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams of radiation to kill cancer cells. The beams are carefully targeted so that they harm the cancer and as little of the healthy skin around it as possible. It’s not surgery and is usually done in a hospital or a cancer clinic. If you’re considering this treatment, you can search for a skin cancer clinic near me to find qualified specialists and facilities in your area.

When Is Radiation Therapy Used for Skin Cancer?

Radiation therapy is not necessarily the first option, but it’s actually very useful in certain situations. Doctors may suggest it when:

• The tumor is in an awkward spot like the nose, eyelids, ears, or lips, so surgery might leave a scar or be complicated.
• The individual is not a suitable case for surgery due to age or illness.
• The skin cancer comes back after surgery.
• Surgery could not remove all of the cancer, and there is some cancer left behind.
• The cancer is growing rapidly or has spread, and radiation can delay its development.

Radiation is applied quite frequently in basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common forms of skin cancer. It’s applied very rarely for melanoma, only in very exceptional cases or if the cancer has spread.

Types of Radiation Therapy Used

There are a number of different ways that the radiation may be given, depending upon where and how deep the cancer is.

1. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)

This is the most common type. A machine outside your body emits beams of radiation at the cancer from many directions. It is not painful and usually only lasts a few minutes at a time.

2. Electron Beam Radiation Therapy

This kind of treatment uses electrons rather than X-rays. Electrons don’t travel very deeply, and hence they’re most suitable for skin cancers close to the surface.

3. Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation)

Small seeds or wires of radiation are implanted on or near the cancer. It’s less commonly used for skin cancer but maybe in extreme situations.

What to Expect During Treatment

Radiation treatment is usually given in treatments. You might come to the clinic five days a week for several weeks, depending on cancer type and size. Each treatment is short—less than 15 minutes—and you go home the same day.

You will be lying on a table and the machine will give you the radiation. It does not touch you and you will not feel anything. You simply have to stay very still to allow the radiation to go to the right place.

Side Effects You May Feel

Radiation therapy is generally safe, but like any treatment, it can cause some side effects. They are usually mild and will resolve after the treatment is completed. The most frequent side effects are:

• Redness or swelling on the skin, like a sunburn
• Dryness or peeling
• Swelling or soreness
• Proper hair loss in the skin that was treated
• Darkening of the skin, which is usually temporary

In rare cases, longer-lasting changes like scarring or texture modification can occur. Your physician or nurse practitioner will instruct you in the care of your skin before and after treatment.

Is Radiation Therapy Effective?

Yes, radiation therapy is highly effective for many types of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, cure rates for small basal cell and squamous cell cancers treated with radiation are between 90% and 95%. It’s especially helpful when surgery isn’t a good option or when the goal is to preserve the appearance and function of a sensitive area.

For more advanced or more spread-out cancers, radiation is also used to shrink tumors, stop pain, and improve the quality of life.

Can It Be Used with Other Treatments?

Yes, radiation is always combined with other treatments. For example:

• After surgery, to destroy remaining cancer cells
• With chemo, in worse cases
• As a back-up if other treatments do not work

Your treatment plan will depend on your type of skin cancer, your overall health, and your personal preferences.

How to Prepare for Radiation Therapy

Here are a few things to keep in mind before starting:

• Wear loose, soft clothing that won’t rub the treated area
• Don’t apply creams, powders, or perfumes on your skin before sessions unless approved by your doctor
• Tell your doctor about any medications or health conditions
• Ask questions—your care team is there to assist you

You do not have to fast or do anything unusual prior to treatment sessions. Simply come, stay still during the session, and pay attention to your care team.

Final Thoughts

Radiation treatment is an effective, tried-and-true way to treat skin cancer, especially when surgery cannot be done or appearance needs to be preserved. It is painless, precise, and generally very effective. If your doctor recommends radiation, it’s because he or she believes that it will offer you the best chance for cure or relief.

Understanding how radiation works can put your mind at ease and help you in making educated choices. Don’t ever be afraid to discuss things with your doctor and make sure you know what is happening at each point in the procedure.