When you’re diagnosed with skin cancer, the word “treatment” often brings surgery to mind. However, there’s now a non-surgical option that’s changing how certain skin cancers can be treated.
GentleCure offers a painless, precise approach to eliminating skin cancer cells without the need for incisions, stitches, or surgical recovery. Keep reading to learn more about this innovative treatment and whether it might be right for you.
What Is GentleCure?
GentleCure is the brand name for a modern version of Superficial Radiation Therapy, commonly called SRT. This treatment uses carefully targeted, low-energy X-ray radiation to destroy skin cancer cells layer by layer.
Unlike traditional radiation therapy used for deeper cancers inside the body, SRT only penetrates the outer layers of your skin. This means the radiation reaches the cancer cells while leaving the healthy tissue beneath largely untouched.
What makes GentleCure advanced is its use of real-time ultrasound imaging during treatment. Your dermatologist can actually see the cancer on a screen before, during, and after each session, allowing for precise adjustments to ensure the best possible outcome.
The entire process is painless and takes place right in your dermatologist’s office. Most people describe feeling nothing more than a slight warmth in the treatment area, if they feel anything at all.
What Types of Skin Cancer Can Be Treated with GentleCure?
GentleCure is specifically designed to treat non-melanoma skin cancers, particularly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These are the two most common types of skin cancer.
The treatment works best for early-stage cancers that haven’t spread beyond the skin’s surface. Your dermatologist at The Menkes Clinic will review your pathology report to determine if your specific cancer is a good candidate for this approach.
Dr. Zimmerman, a board-certified dermatologist at Golden State Dermatology in Walnut Creek, explains the selection process:
“When we evaluate a patient for GentleCure, we’re looking at several factors beyond just the cancer type. The size and location of the lesion matter, as does the patient’s overall health and personal preferences. Some patients are excellent candidates because they have cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas where they’d prefer to avoid scarring, while others benefit because they’re taking medications that make surgery more complicated. The beauty of having multiple treatment options is that we can truly customize our approach to each person’s unique situation.”
Location matters significantly when considering SRT. The treatment is particularly valuable for cancers on the face, ears, nose, or other areas where surgical removal might leave noticeable scars or require complex reconstruction.
How Does the GentleCure Treatment Process Work?
Your Initial Consultation
Your GentleCure journey begins with a consultation at The Menkes Clinic, where your provider explains how the treatment works and what to expect. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions and discuss any concerns.
Treatment Schedule and Duration
Treatment sessions typically happen over a course of five to seven weeks, with visits occurring several times each week. Each individual session lasts only about 15 minutes, making it easy to fit into your regular schedule.
What Happens During Each Session
During each appointment, you’ll lie comfortably while a radiation therapist positions the equipment over your treatment area. The machine delivers a precise dose of low-energy X-ray radiation to the cancer site.
The ultrasound imaging provides real-time feedback throughout your treatment course. Many patients find it reassuring to actually see their cancer shrinking on the screen as treatment progresses, providing visible proof that the therapy is working effectively.
The Patient Experience
You won’t need any anesthesia, and the procedure itself is completely painless. Most people drive themselves to and from appointments and continue with their normal daily activities without interruption.
What Are the Benefits of GentleCure?
GentleCure offers several advantages compared to traditional surgical treatment for skin cancer:
- No cutting, scarring, or stitches – The treatment requires no incisions and leaves no surgical scars
- No anesthesia needed – You avoid the risks associated with anesthesia and surgical procedures
- Minimal recovery time – Continue your normal daily activities throughout treatment with few restrictions
- Ideal for cosmetically sensitive areas – Treat cancers on your nose, eyelids, lips, or ears without visible scarring
- Great for non-surgical candidates – Perfect if you have health conditions that make surgery risky, or simply prefer to avoid surgery
- Convenient outpatient treatment – Everything happens in your dermatologist’s office with no hospital stays or operating room visits
Who Is a Good Candidate for GentleCure?
Ideal candidates for GentleCure include people with early-stage basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma that hasn’t spread beyond the skin’s surface. The cancer should be clearly defined and accessible for treatment.
Patients who want to avoid surgical scars often find GentleCure particularly appealing. If your cancer is located on your face or another visible area, this treatment can provide excellent results without altering your appearance significantly.
People who aren’t good surgical candidates for medical reasons benefit greatly from this option. Whether you have heart conditions or have other health concerns that make surgery risky, SRT provides an effective alternative.
Some patients have multiple skin cancer lesions that would require several separate surgeries. GentleCure can treat multiple areas during the same treatment course, which may be more practical than multiple surgical procedures.
Dr. David Pilkington, a board-certified dermatologist at Golden State Dermatology in Merced, notes the psychological benefits:
“Many of my patients express relief when they learn surgery isn’t their only option. Some are anxious about surgical procedures, while others have had previous surgeries and want to try a different approach. GentleCure gives us the ability to treat skin cancer effectively while respecting each patient’s comfort level and personal preferences. I’ve had patients tell me they postponed treatment because they were worried about surgery, but once they learned about SRT, they felt ready to move forward with addressing their cancer.”
Your dermatologist will evaluate your specific situation during a consultation to determine if GentleCure is the right choice for your particular cancer and circumstances.
If you have questions about your skin, schedule an appointment at The Menkes Clinic today!
