Yes, IG-SRT can treat scalp lesions or other hairy areas effectively, with the main consideration being the hair loss in the treated spot (as discussed). Many patients with scalp basal or squamous cell carcinomas opt for IG-SRT, especially if they want to avoid a large scar on the scalp or if they have multiple lesions. The scalp has a rich blood supply, and large surgical excisions there can sometimes be complex to repair, so IG-SRT offers an alternative. Do keep in mind, as mentioned, that hair in the treated area will likely fall out and may not regrow fully. If you have a full head of hair, a small bald patch could result. Some patients are fine with that (especially if it’s towards the crown or if they can style hair around it), others may consider it a drawback. But medically, the treatment works just as well on the scalp as anywhere else. We use ultrasound to measure depth, and scalp skin cancers are usually shallow enough. We also take care to shield the rest of the head as needed (though superficial radiation to the scalp won’t penetrate to the brain). Another hair-bearing area is the beard or mustache region in men – IG-SRT can treat those too, again noting that beard hair in the treated zone will be lost. Some men are okay with a patchy beard or they adjust their beard style; others might actually prefer that to a scar on the face. In underarm or pubic areas (less common for these cancers, but possible), hair would likewise be lost in the field. So, in summary: IG-SRT is completely suitable for skin cancers on the scalp or other areas with hair, and the only special consideration is the permanent hair loss in that specific patch. If that trade-off is acceptable, then IG-SRT is a great option.
Category:
IG-SRT
