In many cases, yes, you can. If Mohs surgery was recommended (perhaps because of the location or type of skin cancer), you can still opt for IG-SRT as an alternative, as long as the cancer fits the criteria for radiation. Mohs is often recommended for facial areas or for aggressive subtypes because of its high cure rate and tissue-sparing technique. But IG-SRT now offers comparable cure rates and also spares tissue (no removal at all), so it is a viable alternative. It really comes down to an informed decision between you and your dermatologist. We will consider factors like the size, exact location, and pathology of your tumor. Assuming there are no contraindications to IG-SRT (and typically for basal and squamous cell there aren’t), you have the right to choose the treatment modality you’re more comfortable with. If you lean towards avoiding surgery, let your doctor know – often they will be supportive if IG-SRT can achieve the same goal. In some situations, the doctor might have recommended Mohs due to certain high-risk features (e.g., perineural invasion, very poorly differentiated tumor, etc.); even then, IG-SRT might still be possible, but the doctor will explain the rationale. Generally though, if Mohs was recommended for a typical BCC or SCC and you’d rather not have surgery, IG-SRT is an appropriate alternative and we can proceed with that, ensuring you understand the need for multiple visits and such. It’s important to have a candid discussion: you can ask, “Is there any medical reason I must do Mohs, or can I do IG-SRT instead?” In most instances of non-melanoma skin cancer, the answer will be that you can choose IG-SRT. We respect patient autonomy, so as long as you’re a suitable candidate, it’s absolutely fine to choose IG-SRT over Mohs, and we will make sure you get an equivalent standard of care with the radiation treatment.
Category:
IG-SRT
