Radiotherapy is a valuable treatment option for Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma, especially in cases where surgery might not be possible – either because of the tumour or your general health making surgery high risk. Some of the advantages of radiotherapy over surgery for treating skin cancer include:
Non-Invasive Treatment
Radiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment method, which means it doesn’t require any incisions, injections, or physical removal of tissue. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who are not good candidates for surgery due to other health issues or those who prefer to avoid surgical procedures for any reason
Keep your looks
Radiotherapy can be an excellent option for treating skin cancers located in cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the face, ears, or neck. Unlike surgery, which might leave scars or require reconstructive procedures, radiotherapy can treat the cancer without significantly altering your appearance.
Suitable for Difficult-to-Treat Areas
Some skin cancers are located in areas that are difficult to treat surgically due to their size, location, or proximity to vital structures. Radiotherapy can effectively target these areas without the need for complex surgical interventions.
Less Impact on Function
Radiotherapy minimises the risk of affecting the function of nearby structures. For example, skin cancers close to the eyes or mouth can be challenging to remove surgically without affecting the how the eye lids or lips work. Radiotherapy can treat the cancer while preserving the function of these areas – reducing the risk of things like long term watery eye.
Pain-Free Treatment
Radiotherapy is generally painless during administration. Patients might experience some side effects after treatment, but the procedure itself does not involve the discomfort associated with surgery and post-operative recovery.
Lower Risk of Infection
Since radiotherapy is non-invasive, there is no risk of surgical wound infections, which can be a concern with surgical treatments. This can be particularly advantageous for patients with compromised immune systems or those at higher risk of infections.
Effective for Recurrence Prevention
Radiotherapy can be used effectively to treat skin cancers that have recurred after previous surgeries. Also, it can target residual cancer cells that surgery might have missed, reducing the likelihood of further recurrences.