Brachytherapy: A Non-Surgical Alternative to Mohs Surgery
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment Using Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)
At Swann Dermatology, we offer electronic brachytherapy, a proven non-surgical alternative to Mohs surgery using that effectively treats skin cancer while preserving healthy tissue and avoiding scars. This advanced superficial radiation for skin cancer provides excellent outcomes without the need for invasive procedures.
What Is Electronic Brachytherapy?
Electronic brachytherapy delivers targeted superficial radiation therapy (SRT) by placing a small x-ray source directly at the skin cancer site, destroying the cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This advanced treatment option — which you may have heard referred to as SkinCure Oncology or skin care oncology technology — is effective for non-melanoma skin cancers and delivers fantastic cosmetic results with no cutting, incisions, or stitches required.
Is a Non-Surgical Skin Cancer Treatment Right for You?
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 ideal for your situation.
You May Be a Candidate for Electronic Brachytherapy If:
- Your skin cancer is located in a sensitive area or highly visible location.
- Your skin cancer is located in an area that's difficult to heal.
- You're taking blood thinners.
- You prefer to avoid surgical procedures altogether.
During your consultation, our dermatology specialists will evaluate your specific case and discuss whether this non-surgical option aligns with your medical needs and personal preferences.
Benefits of Choosing Electronic Brachytherapy
Patients who select this non-surgical approach typically enjoy several advantages:
- 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 lightly mottled area may remain
Understanding the Treatment Process
- Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation. We'll assess your skin cancer type, location, and overall health to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique situation.
- Each treatment session involves positioning the Esteya device precisely over the affected area. The superficial radiation for skin cancer is then delivered in a controlled manner, targeting only the cancerous cells.
- Sessions typically last just a few minutes, and you can resume your regular activities immediately afterward. You won’t experience hair loss, hearing loss, or any systemic side effects.
- Most treatment plans require two brief visits per week over several weeks to ensure complete cancer elimination while minimizing any effects on healthy skin.
Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)
Ready to Learn more?
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer or have concerns about a suspicious lesion, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Our team will thoroughly evaluate your condition and discuss whether electronic brachytherapy or another treatment approach is most appropriate for your needs.
To learn more about non-surgical skin cancer treatment options, contact Maria Gonzalez, MS RT, our radiation therapist at Hulston Cancer Center. Call 417-888-0858 ext. 1011 to begin your path toward effective, scar-free healing.
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.
We’re committed to providing personalized care that considers both medical effectiveness and quality of life outcomes. We understand that each patient’s situation is unique, which is why we take the time to explain all available options and help you make informed decisions about your treatment path. Our goal is to eliminate your skin cancer while maintaining the best possible cosmetic results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachytherapy
How effective is electronic brachytherapy compared to surgery?
Electronic brachytherapy offers cure rates comparable to traditional surgical methods like Mohs surgery for appropriate skin cancer types. This superficial radiation for skin cancer provides the same excellent outcomes you’d expect from surgery, but with the added benefits of no scarring, no stitches, and no downtime. Many patients choose this radiation alternative to Mohs surgery because it preserves the natural appearance of their skin while effectively eliminating cancer cells. At Swann Dermatology, we’ve been offering this advanced treatment longer than anyone else in the area, giving us extensive experience in delivering optimal results for our patients.
Does the treatment hurt?
Most patients report feeling nothing during treatment sessions. The procedure is completely non-invasive and painless — no incisions, needles, or anesthesia required. Some patients may experience mild warmth or tingling in the treated area, but this is generally very minimal. Unlike surgical procedures that require local anesthetic injections and can cause post-operative discomfort, this superficial radiation for skin cancer is remarkably comfortable. You can simply relax during your brief treatment session and return to your normal activities immediately afterward.
How many treatment sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies based on your specific diagnosis, cancer type, size, and location. Most treatment plans involve a series of short sessions scheduled over several weeks — typically ranging from 8 to 20 treatments. Each session lasts only a few minutes, making it easy to fit into your schedule. Your personalized treatment plan will outline the recommended schedule based on your unique case. During your consultation, we’ll discuss exactly what to expect and create a timeline that works for you.
Will my insurance cover this treatment?
Insurance coverage depends on the type and location of your skin cancer, as well as your specific insurance policy. The experienced office staff at Swann Dermatology can help verify your coverage before beginning treatment and will work directly with your insurance company to maximize your benefits. We’ll also discuss any out-of-pocket costs and payment options upfront, so you’ll have a clear understanding of the financial aspects before proceeding with treatment.
Can all skin cancers be treated with this method?
Electronic brachytherapy is highly effective for many non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It works particularly well for cancers located in areas where cosmetic outcomes are important, such as the face, ears, nose, and eyelids. However, certain factors like tumor depth, location, and type will determine if this is the best option for your specific case. During your consultation, our team will carefully evaluate your diagnosis and discuss whether this radiation alternative to Mohs surgery is appropriate for you, or if another treatment approach would be more suitable.
What makes Swann Dermatology different from other providers?
While companies like SkinCure Oncology advertise superficial radiation treatments, Swann Dermatology has been offering electronic brachytherapy longer than anyone else in the area. Our extensive experience means we’ve treated hundreds of patients and refined our protocols to achieve the best possible outcomes. We’re a trusted, established dermatology practice with deep roots in our community and a proven track record of excellence in skin cancer treatment.
What can I expect during recovery?
One of the greatest benefits of this treatment is that there is essentially no recovery period. Unlike surgery, which may require bandages, wound care, and activity restrictions, you can resume all normal activities immediately after each treatment session. Most patients experience minimal side effects — some temporary redness or mild skin irritation in the treated area that typically resolves within a few weeks after completing the treatment series. There are no stitches to remove, no surgical wounds to heal, and no risk of infection from incisions.
How long has this treatment been available?
Electronic brachytherapy has been used successfully for decades to treat skin cancer, though it has gained more attention recently as patients seek less invasive alternatives to surgery. At Swann Dermatology, we’ve been offering this advanced treatment option longer than any other practice in our area, giving us unparalleled expertise and experience. While you may have heard about this treatment through advertising from companies like SkinCure Oncology, we want you to know that we’ve been trusted providers of this therapy long before these marketing efforts began.
Is this treatment right for me if I've had skin cancer before?
Absolutely. Electronic brachytherapy is an excellent option for patients with multiple skin cancers or those who have had previous treatments. Because it doesn’t involve cutting, it can be used repeatedly on different areas without the cumulative scarring that surgery can cause. It’s also ideal for patients who may not be good surgical candidates due to age, health conditions, or medications like blood thinners. During your consultation, we’ll review your complete medical history to determine the best treatment approach for your individual situation.