Brachytherapy: A Non-Surgical Alternative to Mohs Surgery

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment Using Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)

At Swann Dermatology, we offer Esteya electronic brachytherapy, a non-surgical skin cancer treatment that uses superficial radiation to effectively destroy cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue. This gentle, highly targeted approach is ideal for patients seeking an alternative to Mohs surgery or those who wish to avoid surgical scars, stitches, or downtime.

Why Consider an Alternative to Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a gold standard for skin cancer treatment — but it’s not for everyone. If your skin cancer is in a sensitive, highly visible, or hard-to-heal area, or if you’re on blood thinners, a non-surgical option may be better suited.

You may be a candidate for brachytherapy if:

How Electronic Brachytherapy Works

Esteya electronic brachytherapy delivers superficial radiation therapy (SRT) by placing a small x-ray source directly at the skin cancer site. Rather than removing tissue surgically, it uses focused high-dose radiation to precisely destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Key benefits:

Performed in-office with no cutting, no stitches, and minimal discomfort
Ideal for treating basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Minimal recovery time and strong cosmetic outcomes
No surgical scars — only a light mottled area may remain

How the Procedure Works

Treatments typically require 2 brief visits per week over several weeks
No hair loss, hearing loss, or systemic side effects
Highly effective for skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas, including the face and neck
The number of sessions may be adjusted based on location and cosmetic goals

Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)

SRT is the core of our brachytherapy approach. Unlike traditional radiation or invasive surgery, this gentle skin cancer treatment is precise, safe, and effective — especially for non-aggressive tumors located on the surface of the skin.

Ready to Learn more?

If you’re looking for a gentle alternative to Mohs surgery, brachytherapy may be the right fit. Call us at 417-888-0858 or click below to schedule a consultation.

Meet Your Treatment Team

Your care will be delivered by our experienced radiation team under the direction of Dr. Michael Swann, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, and Maria Gonzalez, MS RT, a licensed radiation therapist.