Introduction (0:00)
If you have skin cancer, specifically basal or squamous cell carcinoma, watch these videos before you undergo Mohs surgery to learn about IGSRT, image-guided superficial radiation therapy, a better alternative for almost everyone. You can treat your skin cancer and still look great.
Meet Miriam (0:16)
Dr. Haber: Hi, I’m Dr. Bob Haber here at Haber Dermatology in Beachwood, Ohio, and this is Miriam. Miriam has three skin cancers, and she’s going to begin IGSRT, image-guided superficial radiation therapy, instead of the Mohs procedure.
Why Miriam Chose IGSRT Over Mohs (0:31)
Dr. Haber: Miriam, why did you choose IGSRT instead of Mohs?
Miriam: I just really don’t want the scars on my face. I’ve had a few Mohs procedures already, and I’m unhappy about the marks on my face from them. I’d prefer to try this and see if it works.
Dr. Haber: A lot of people experience Mohs fatigue. Mohs is an excellent procedure under certain circumstances, but IGSRT is superior in many ways. It offers the highest cure rate, 99.6%, and the best cosmetic outcome.
What the IGSRT Process Involves (1:00)
Dr. Haber: It does involve 22 visits to the office:
- 1 simulation visit (today): we set up the parameters and make sure we know exactly how we will treat.
- 20 treatment visits
- 1 follow-up visit six weeks after treatment.
The whole process takes about 3 months. At the end, the cancer is gone and the skin looks great.
The Simulation Visit (1:19)
Dr. Haber: At this visit, I mark the outline of the skin cancer and add an additional zone so we catch any cancer cells that aren’t obviously visible. It’s this additional zone, plus confirmation with ultrasound, that gives us the wonderful cure rate.
The radiation therapist then:
- Performs the first ultrasound evaluation and confirms the depth and features of the skin cancer will be treated effectively as planned
- Fabricates and applies a lead shield and other protective materials so only the cancer receives radiation
- Determines the proper position of the radiation device
- Documents all final settings so they can be reproduced for every treatment session
That concludes the simulation visit.
Treatment Visits (2:08)
First treatment day: All parameters from the simulation visit are applied. Each treatment visit takes only a few minutes.
Visit 5, first clinical evaluation (2:17): We make sure the patient understands the progress and has a chance to ask questions. There’s a hint of redness on the cheek, temple, and calf.
Visit 10, second clinical evaluation (2:31): Redness is becoming more pronounced on the cheek, temple, and calf.
Visit 15, third clinical evaluation (2:39): More redness on the cheek and temple, and a hint more on the leg.
Final treatment day, fourth clinical evaluation (2:47): Redness on the cheek is more pronounced, the temple shows more irritation, and the calf is becoming redder as well.
Six-Week Follow-Up Results (2:57)
Dr. Haber: We’re at the six-week follow-up visit. Miriam had three skin cancers treated with IGSRT:
- Squamous cell carcinoma on the cheek
- Basal cell carcinoma on the forehead
- Basal cell carcinoma on the leg
We partner with GentleCure to offer all these treatments. As a reminder, here’s each skin cancer before treatment, during treatment, and today: the cheek, the forehead, and the back of the leg.
Ultrasound Before and After (3:32)
- Temple, before treatment: The dark areas represent cancer.
- Temple, today: Those areas are filled in with healthy tissue.
Close-Up of the Treated Skin (3:43)
Dr. Haber: Now let’s bring the camera in close to see what the treated areas look like after six weeks. This was the squamous cell carcinoma on the cheek. The skin is nice and soft, with no significant color change and no fibrosis. It looks beautiful.
Right over here was the basal cell carcinoma. Again, the skin is soft and supple, with no issues whatsoever. Beautiful healing.
Ringing the Gong (4:07)
Dr. Haber: Miriam, now that you’re cancer-free?
Miriam: Yes.
Dr. Haber: Because of IGSRT and GentleCure, you get to hit the gong.
[Applause]
Dr. Haber: Miriam, are you pleased you chose IGSRT instead of the Mohs procedure?
Miriam: I’m very pleased. I was just telling Melissa there are no scars. I was a little worried about the redness fading, but it’s pretty much faded away.
Dr. Haber: It looks great at six weeks, and it actually looks better and better as time goes on.
Is IGSRT Right for You? (4:36)
Dr. Haber: If you have a basal or squamous cell carcinoma, consider IGSRT before you undergo a Mohs procedure. Call the number on your screen in the Cleveland area, or search for IGSRT to find a location closer to you. You can treat your skin cancer and still look great.
