Non-Surgical Skin Cancer Treatment

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are highly treatable—especially when caught early. Now, there’s a gentle and effective alternative to surgery for treating non-melanoma skin cancer: brachytherapy.

What is Brachytherapy?

Brachytherapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy that delivers low-dose, pinpoint-accurate treatment directly to the tumor site. At Woodlands Cancer Institute, we use surface-level brachytherapy to treat non-melanoma skin cancers without surgery, cutting, or stitches. It’s a painless, non-invasive option ideal for delicate areas such as the face, nose, ears, and scalp. Our treatment course typically requires only 8–10 sessions—significantly fewer than other options like image-guided superficial radiation therapy (IG-SRT), which can require 16–25 treatments. We can also treat multiple sites at the same time, helping patients complete treatment more efficiently with fewer total visits.

Mohs Surgery versus Brachytherapy

While Mohs surgery is effective, it involves cutting, potential scarring, and downtime. Brachytherapy, on the other hand, offers excellent cosmetic results with no incision. It’s non-invasive, has minimal side effects, and requires no recovery time.

Benefits of Brachytherapy

  • Non-surgical, no cutting or stitches
  • Painless treatment
  • Minimal cosmetic impact
  • Short treatment series
  • Safe and effective
  • High cure rates comparable to surgery

What to Expect with Brachytherapy Treatment

Here’s what the typical process looks like:

  1. Consultation & Evaluation
    Your care begins with a thorough consultation with our radiation oncology team. We’ll review your diagnosis, assess your skin lesion(s), and determine if brachytherapy is the right option for you.
  2. Customized Treatment Planning
    We use imaging and careful measurements to create a personalized treatment plan. The goal is to target the cancer precisely while protecting healthy surrounding tissue.
  3. Treatment Sessions (Typically 8–10 Total)
    Treatments are quick—typically 10 to 15 minutes—and take place over several sessions scheduled a few times per week. You’ll be awake the entire time, and no cutting, stitches, or sedation is involved.
  4. Application of Therapy
    A specialized applicator is gently placed on the skin directly over the treatment area. Radiation is delivered for a short period, targeting only the cancerous cells.
  5. No Downtime
    Most patients return to their regular activities immediately after each session. There’s no need for wound care or recovery time.
  6. Ongoing Monitoring
    Our team will check your progress throughout the treatment period and schedule follow-up visits to ensure proper healing and successful results.

At Woodlands Cancer Institute, our skilled team of radiation oncologists will design a personalized treatment plan based on your specific case. Our goal is to deliver the most effective and precise treatment to ensure the best possible outcome. We are committed to providing comprehensive cancer care that combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate care.