Breakthrough skin cancer treatment
At Olympic Dermatology we offer innovative treatments and procedures that work. The first medical office in Western Washington to offer Brachytherapy, also known as electronic skin cancer therapy, we’re performing this breakthrough treatment for our skin cancer patients with a 95-98% success rate and high level of satisfaction.
Brachytherapy is an excellent alternative to surgery for the treatment of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, as well as other skin disorders, and offers patients choice, convenience and efficacy. Learn more about it and read these Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is Brachytherapy a new treatment?
A: No. Brachytherapy, also known as electronic skin cancer therapy, has been proven extremely effective with regard to both cure and cosmetic outcomes for many years. It is, however, the newest and most accurate method of delivering treatment for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers.
Q: Is Brachytherapy dangerous? Does it cause cancer?
A: No, like any other medical treatment when used properly it’s completely safe and therapeutic. The treatment itself doses in monitored, therapeutic increments to the skin, posing little risk of causing secondary cancers either in the treated area or elsewhere in the body.
Q: Does someone need to drive me to my appointment?
A: No. Your activities are unlimited before and after treatment, including driving.
Q: Are the treatments painful?
A: No, Brachytherapy is painless. Actually, the treatments cause no sensation at all.
Q: Will I have side effects, for example, losing my hair or nausea and vomiting?
A: No, Brachytherapy only causes minor skin irritation where it is delivered. Any body part outside of the treatment area is not affected.
Q: What are the common short-term side effects?
A: Near the completion of treatment, the skin area where the therapy is delivered may become somewhat red and irritated, similar to a sunburn. Typically, any skin irritation resolves very quickly after the treatment is completed.
Q: Will other organs in my body be exposed?
A: No, fortunately Brachytherapy for skin cancer can be delivered topically and does not affect any other body organs. Only the area of skin in the treatment field is affected.
Q: Is scarring a result Brachytherapy?
A: No. While it’s possible that the skin in the treated area may be slightly darker or lighter afterwards this is usually very minimal. The cosmetic outcome is excellent in a majority of cases.
Q: Can I receive another round of Brachytherapy in the future if I need it?
A: Yes. It can be delivered to new skin cancers or other parts of the body without difficulty.