Receiving a skin cancer diagnosis is never easy. For many patients, the fear of surgery can feel just as overwhelming as the condition itself.
Fortunately, Dr. Michael Scannon and Dr. Stefanie Altmann at Florida Westcoast Skin and Cancer Center are changing the way people manage certain types of skin cancer. They offer GentleCure™, also known as image-guided superficial radiation therapy (IG-SRT), as a safe, effective, and non-invasive solution.
How Does GentleCure Work?
GentleCure is a non-surgical approach to treating basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other forms of non-melanoma skin cancer. It uses low-dose radiation, guided by ultrasound imaging, to precisely target and destroy cancerous cells.
People often opt for GentleCure because:
- There’s no cutting or bleeding: Unlike Mohs or traditional excisions, this method doesn’t require surgery.
- There are no stitches or scarring: Patients can often avoid visible reminders of treatment. This is especially beneficial when addressing delicate areas like the face.
- Appointments are quick: Therapy sessions are performed in-office and usually last only a few minutes.
Is GentleCure Safe?
Yes, GentleCure is both FDA-cleared and widely accepted among dermatologists for treating early-stage non-melanoma skin cancers. Image guidance ensures accuracy and minimizes radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. A clinical study published by Oncology and Therapy also shows that this approach has a 99.3% cure rate.
Who Should Consider Image-Guided SRT?
This treatment is ideal for people with non-melanoma skin cancers who:
- Want to avoid surgery.
- Have conditions that make surgery risky, such as heart disease, kidney disease, or bleeding disorders.
- Are seeking help for cancers on the face, scalp, ears, or neck.
- Are looking for a comfortable, in-office experience with minimal downtime.
GentleCure is not recommended for those with melanoma or aggressive, deeply invasive skin cancers. These generally require surgical intervention for the best results.
Learn More About Skin Cancer Treatment in Tampa
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer and want to explore non-surgical options, GentleCure may be an appropriate solution.
Contact Florida Westcoast Skin and Cancer Center in Tampa (813-877-4811) or Dade City (352-567-3563) to schedule a consultation and find out if image-guided SRT is a good addition to your skin cancer care plan.