Skin Cancer Procedures

Office-based Radiation Treatment for Skin Cancer (SRT/EBT)

Radiation Treatment For Skin Cancer

At the Dermatology and Laser Center of San Antonio

About The Treatment


Over his career, Dr. Davis has performed over 25,000 skin cancer operations. While surgery is still the primary way to treat that disorder, sometimes, it can be a challenge for certain patients. In the last 10 years or so, a number of FDA-approved devices that deliver superficial radiation for skin cancer have become available in the US.  These devices allow a Dermatologist to perform in-office radiation treatment for skin cancer. At Dermatology and Laser Center of San Antonio, we use one such device from a company called Xstrahl out of the UK. Xstrahl, which makes a lot of larger radiation devices in Europe, but has now developed a very good device for the Dermatology office.

About the Procedure

What is Office-based Radiation Treatment for Skin Cancer and how is it done?


The use of radiation in our Dermatology office doesn’t involve radio-isotopes, and is all delivered electronically. The treatment is different in comparison to what you would encounter in a radiation-oncology center. The Xstrahl RADiant System comes with a control center, that we use to track the treatment plan, and is a great piece of software.

The RADiant System

We like our Xstrahl Radiant System. It is small, mobile, and easy to use, without needing a lot of accessories to place on the skin. It’s really remarkable what one can do just with this particular device. Each treatment is only a minute or two long. It’s totally painless, and there is no blood involved. For many patients who have problems with bleeding, healing, are older, or have skin cancer in certain areas, it can be a very good treatment option.  

Our Xstrahl RADiant System does both Superficial Radiation Treatment (SRT), and Electronic Brachytherapy (EBT). Patients can expect to be in the office about 15 minutes. We get the patient ready, mark the area to be treated, and place the treatment cone flat against the skin. Then, Dr. Davis administers the radiation. The treatment generally lasts about 1 to 2 minutes.

Who are the best candidates for office-based Radiation Treatment for Skin Cancer?

Good candidates for radiation treatment can include the following men and women:

  • People on Blood Thinners
  • Patients with Diabetes
  • Those who have problems with healing
  • Older Patients with Large Skin Cancers on difficult to operate locations, such as the Scalp, Ear, or Lower Leg.

How long does the procedure last?


Patients can expect to be in the office about 15 minutes.  We get the patient ready, mark the area to be treated, place the treatment cone flat against the skin.  Then, Dr. Davis administers the radiation.  The treatment generally lasts about 1 to 2 minutes.
After the treatment, we remove the markings we placed on the patient, and the patient is on their way to enjoy the rest of their day.

How many radiation treatments will I need


Whereas in the past it may have taken 30 or more standard radiation treatments to treat skin cancer, now it is often possible to treat skin cancer with 8-12 treatments, once or twice weekly, over a period of a few weeks with very good results.

If you are interested in Radiation Treatment for Skin Cancer, what comes next?


This procedure is not for everyone, and patients must meet certain criteria before this procedure is performed. Insurance covers the treatment for those people who do qualify. If you think you might qualify or prefer this type of treatment you can get in touch with us at The Dermatology and Laser Center of San Antonio by calling us at: 210-614-3355. You can also fill out our contact form to request an appointment.