Advantages and disadvantages of radiation therapy for skin cancer

Among skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common, accounting for about 90% of skin cancers. Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are very sensitive to radiotherapy.

Skin cancer is superficial, with clear borders, and precise irradiation positioning under direct vision. Generally, squamous cell carcinoma is moderately sensitive to radiation, while basal cell carcinoma is particularly sensitive to radiation, and the skin has a higher tolerance. The preferred radiation source is electron beams, followed by contact X-rays or shallow X-rays. The edge of the irradiation field should exceed the tumor by 0.5cm to 1cm. If the tumor boundary is unclear, the edge should be expanded by 3cm to 4cm. Vertical, tangential or multi-field irradiation is used according to the size of the lesion. The general tumor dose is 60 to 70GY/6 to 8 weeks. The dose required for basal cell carcinoma is slightly smaller. During treatment, the irradiation field and dose should be adjusted according to the shrinkage of the tumor.

Advantages of radiation therapy:

① It can protect tissues not affected by tumors.

②Less damage is caused.

③ No scars and no changes in the body's appearance.

④ No hypertrophic scars, keloids or skin contracture will be formed.

⑤The treatment is painless.

⑥The patient's psychological trauma is mild.

⑦No hospitalization is required.

Disadvantages of radiation therapy:

① Hair falls off after contact and is not easy to regenerate.

②The sweat glands in the treatment area lose their function.

③ Skin atrophy, capillary dilation, depigmentation or deposition, dryness or keratinization.