Skin Cancer Care at a Leading Spokane Cancer Center with CyberKnife Precision
Overview
Skin Cancer Treatment at Spokane CyberKnife — Customized 3D Treatment at a Leading Spokane Cancer Center
Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are the most common types of skin cancer, often linked to sun exposure.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), also known as basal cell skin cancer or simply basal cell cancer, is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of all skin cancers.
These cancers originate in the basal cell layer, which is the lower part of the epidermis.
BCCs typically develop on sun-exposed areas of the body, particularly the face, head, neck, and arms. They tend to grow slowly, and it is very rare for a basal cell cancer to spread to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, BCC can invade nearby areas and affect the bone or other tissues beneath the skin.
If not completely removed, BCC may recur in the same location on the skin. Individuals who have had basal cell skin cancers are also at a higher risk of developing new ones in other areas.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
About 20% of skin cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), also referred to as squamous cell skin cancers, cutaneous squamous cell cancers, or simply squamous cell cancers. These cancers arise from the flat cells in the upper (outer) part of the epidermis.
SCCs commonly appear on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, ears, neck, lips, arms, and backs of the hands. They can also develop in scars or chronic skin sores elsewhere and may sometimes originate in actinic keratoses, or a scaly and rough patch of skin caused by years of sun damage. Less frequently, they form in the skin of the genital area.
Squamous cell cancers can usually be completely removed or treated in other ways; however, they are significantly more likely than basal cell cancers to invade deeper layers of skin and spread to other parts of the body.
Customized Radiation That Conforms to YOUR Cancer Only at Spokane Cyberknife
When it comes to treating skin cancer, patients have several options. Traditionally, surgery has been the most common treatment. However, as a trusted Spokane cancer center, Spokane CyberKnife offers a unique, customized approach tailored specifically to each patient and their cancer using advanced technology. Our innovative system employs a 3D printer to create a material called bolus that conforms precisely to the area affected by the disease. This bolus has properties similar to skin tissue when irradiated, allowing it to effectively reduce or modify radiation dosing during targeted radiation therapy. This technique spares healthy tissues surrounding the disease site, avoiding exposure to critical structures such as the eyes and mouth, while still delivering a high dose to the tumor. The treatment is painless and leaves no scars, unlike surgical options for skin cancer. These non-invasive treatments typically take only 15-20 minutes and are usually delivered over a course of 20-25 days.
