Skin Cancer Screening in Venice, FL
Electronic Brachytherapy (EBT) & Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)
At REJUVA Dermatology, Vein & Skin Cancer Center, we offer advanced non-surgical skin cancer treatment for select basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC).
Our primary non-surgical radiotherapy option is Electronic Brachytherapy (EBT), a highly targeted treatment that delivers low-energy radiation directly to the skin cancer while limiting radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Unlike surgery, EBT requires no cutting, stitches, or surgical wound, and most patients can continue their normal daily activities during treatment.
One of the most important advantages of our EBT protocol is its shorter treatment course. At REJUVA, EBT can typically be completed in approximately 10-12 treatment sessions, compared with approximately 18–25 sessions commonly used with Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) and Image-Guided SRT systems such as GentleCure®.
For appropriate patients, fewer treatment sessions provide greater convenience and may also mean less cumulative skin irritation and fewer treatment-related skin changes and complications associated with a prolonged course of radiation therapy.
What Is Electronic Brachytherapy (EBT)?
Electronic Brachytherapy, or EBT, is a non-surgical radiation treatment for certain non-melanoma skin cancers, including appropriately selected basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
EBT delivers a carefully controlled dose of low-energy radiation directly to the treatment area. The radiation damages the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from continuing to grow and divide.
Because treatment is highly localized, EBT can be particularly useful when avoiding surgery may be desirable, including certain cancers involving cosmetically sensitive areas.
Treatment is performed in the office and generally does not require anesthesia, incisions, stitches, or surgical wound care.
At REJUVA, an EBT treatment course can typically be completed in approximately 10-12 sessions, offering patients a considerably shorter treatment schedule than many SRT protocols.
EBT vs. SRT and GentleCure®: What Is the Difference?
Both Electronic Brachytherapy (EBT) and Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) are non-surgical radiation treatments that may be used for appropriately selected basal and squamous cell skin cancers.
SRT delivers low-energy X-rays from outside the skin. Image-Guided SRT systems, including GentleCure®, combine superficial radiation with ultrasound imaging to help assess the treatment area.
EBT delivers a highly localized radiation dose through an applicator positioned directly over the treatment area.
One of the most important practical differences for patients is the number of treatment visits.
At REJUVA, our EBT protocol typically involves approximately 10-12 treatment sessions, while SRT and Image-Guided SRT protocols commonly involve approximately 18-25 treatment sessions over several weeks.
Why Can Fewer Treatments Be an Advantage?
A shorter treatment course offers more than convenience. Reducing the number of treatment visits may reduce the cumulative exposure of the surrounding skin and may help limit treatment-related skin reactions.
For appropriately selected patients, potential advantages of our shorter EBT treatment course include:
- Only approximately 10–12 treatment sessions
- Fewer trips to the dermatology office
- Shorter overall treatment duration
- Potentially less cumulative skin irritation
- Potentially fewer prolonged skin reactions and treatment-related skin changes
- Reduced potential for undesirable cosmetic changes or scarring
- No surgical incision or stitches
- No surgical wound care
- Minimal interruption of normal daily activities
- Convenient in-office treatment
Individual reactions vary, and the likelihood of side effects depends on several factors, including the location and size of the skin cancer, radiation dose, treatment protocol, and individual skin characteristics.
EBT vs. Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery remains the gold-standard surgical treatment for many basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, particularly cancers where complete margin evaluation and maximal tissue preservation are important.
However, surgery is not the only treatment option for every patient.
For appropriately selected skin cancers, EBT may provide a non-surgical alternative for patients who are poor surgical candidates or who prefer to avoid surgery after discussing their treatment options with their physician.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery removes the skin cancer surgically while examining the margins microscopically to confirm complete removal. Depending on the location and size of the cancer, reconstruction with stitches, a skin flap, or a skin graft may be required.
Electronic Brachytherapy (EBT)
EBT treats appropriately selected skin cancers without surgically removing tissue. There is no incision, no stitches, and no surgical wound, and treatment typically requires approximately 10-12 short office visits at REJUVA.
This shorter treatment course may also help minimize cumulative skin irritation and other treatment-related skin changes compared with longer radiation treatment schedules.
Our dermatology team will discuss the advantages, limitations, expected outcomes, and appropriate treatment options so that each patient can make an informed decision.
Who May Be a Candidate for EBT?
Electronic Brachytherapy may be considered for appropriately selected patients who:
- Have certain basal cell carcinomas (BCC)
- Have certain squamous cell carcinomas (SCC)
- Prefer a non-surgical skin cancer treatment when medically appropriate
- Are not ideal candidates for surgery because of age, medical conditions, medications, or other factors
- Have lesions in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas
- Want to avoid an incision, stitches, or surgical wound care
- Prefer a shorter treatment schedule than many traditional SRT protocols
Not every skin cancer is appropriate for EBT. Certain aggressive, recurrent, deeply invasive, or otherwise high-risk tumors may be better treated surgically or with another treatment approach.
Benefits of Electronic Brachytherapy for Skin Cancer
For properly selected patients, potential advantages of EBT include:
- Non-surgical skin cancer treatment
- Typically only 10–12 treatment sessions at REJUVA
- Shorter treatment course than many SRT and Image-Guided SRT protocols
- Potentially less cumulative skin irritation from a shorter treatment course
- Potentially fewer prolonged treatment-related skin changes
- Reduced potential for undesirable cosmetic changes or scarring
- No cutting or stitches
- No surgical wound
- No general anesthesia
- Highly localized radiation delivery
- Minimal downtime
- Convenient in-office treatment
- Ability to return to most normal activities immediately
- Avoidance of surgical scarring
What Should I Expect During EBT Treatment?
Before treatment, our medical team evaluates the skin cancer, its pathology, location, size, depth, and other clinical characteristics to determine whether EBT is appropriate.
During each treatment, the EBT applicator is positioned directly over the treatment area and a controlled dose of radiation is delivered to the targeted tissue.
Treatment sessions are brief and performed in the office. Most patients experience little or no discomfort during the actual radiation delivery and can return to their normal activities afterward.
A typical REJUVA treatment course consists of approximately 10-12 sessions, although the exact treatment schedule is individualized.
Compared with radiation protocols requiring approximately 18-25 visits, this shorter course means fewer office visits and may help reduce cumulative treatment-related irritation to the skin.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of EBT?
EBT is generally well tolerated, but any form of radiation treatment can produce temporary changes in the treated skin.
These may include:
- Redness
- Dryness or flaking
- Irritation or itching
- Tenderness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is radiotherapy used for in dermatology?
It can treat non-melanoma skin cancers, such as squamous and basal cell carcinomas, when surgery is not preferred or recommended.
Is radiotherapy painful?
Most patients report little to no discomfort during treatment. The procedure is non-invasive and does not require anesthesia.
How many sessions are needed?
The number of sessions depends on the size and type of the lesion. Your provider will outline a personalized treatment schedule during your consultation.
Is radiotherapy as effective as surgery?
For select cases, it provides excellent outcomes with high success rates. Dermatologists determine the best treatment for each condition.
Do you offer radiotherapy for skin cancer?
REJUVA Dermatology, Vein & Skin Cancer Center provides advanced radiotherapy for skin cancer, allowing patients to access it locally without traveling outside the area.
Schedule Your Radiotherapy Consultation in Venice, FL
When you have been diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer and are exploring non-surgical treatment options, Radiotherapy may be right for you.
Contact REJUVA Dermatology, Vein & Skin Cancer Center today to schedule your consultation and learn more about advanced skin cancer radiotherapy in Venice, FL.
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