New treatment leaves skin cancer patients cancer free without surgery

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- For skin cancer patients, there's a new non-invasive answer that can leave them cancer free with no surgery in as little as 12 minutes.

While there are no needles, cutting, or pain, the new radiation treatment is a viable option for millions of Americans.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Nearly 3.5 million non-melanoma cases are diagnosed in the United States annually.

Dermatologist Tracy Katz says while surgery works best in some cases, the new option can be more effective in some cases.

"Sensus SRT radiation device is a new efficient way to deliver radiation for the treatment for skin cancers. It is used primarily for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, so it is not indicated for melanomas, which is important to know," Katz said.

Experts say catching skin cancer early is key, and it's important to know what you're looking for.

Click here for the American Dermatology Association's ABCDE's of Melanoma

"Basal cells can be pink or scaly sometimes, or look like an ulcerated sore on the skin. Whereas squamous scales can be scaly, pink, ulcerated bumps or larger legions on the skin, kind of raised and heaped up a little bit. Whereas melanomas are usually dark, atypical mole-like legions," Katz said.

The Sensus SRT radiation is painless, fast, and takes less than a minute per treatment.

"Patients can select three times a week for four weeks or twice a week for eight weeks. It's quick in and out," Katz said.

But it is still radiation, which can be scary for some patients.

"With this radiation, the dose and target area are relatively small. The radiation itself only penetrates five to six millimeters into the skin, so it's only going into the top of the skin," Katz said.

Lynda Radisi has a permanent reminder of the skin cancer she had surgically removed nine years ago. Now, she has it again. This time, it's on her face and back, and she fears even more damaging surgery.

"My father had skin cancer very badly and was scarred all over his body from having to have things removed," Radisi said.

One month ago she had Sensus SRT radiation. Now she is cancer-free without any scars.

"You can't even see anything in the facial area, really. The one on my back has a little more discoloration, but I think as time goes by, that will go down a little," Radisi said.

Sensus SRT radiation is covered by most insurance plans and Medicare, and it is often less expensive than surgery.