Skin cancer involves the accumulation of malignant or benign cells within the skin that damage skin cells already present and prevent further skin cell growth. The skin can often develop internal rashes and bruises due to the skin cell destruction occurring underneath the top layers. One of the only sufficient means by which to attack skin cancer and save the skin is radiation treatment. Radiation treatment for skin cancer comes in both external and internal forms, varies in length of treatment, and varies in effectiveness, depending upon the type of skin cancer you face.
First, radiation treatment for skin cancer comes in both external and internal forms. X-rays, gamma rays, and electron beams are used to “zap” the cells and treat them without any form of surgery needed. X-rays show where the cells are on the skin while gamma rays and electron beams serve as lasers to send energy beams into the cells and destroy them. Most patients favor the external forms of radiation treatment, though skin cancer type determines whether or not the radiation form will be one or the other. The internal form of radiation treatment consists of the use of radioactive material at an on-site facility that seals off the room from outsiders, as well as pills, catheters, and wires. Pills are often given to cancer patients to take each day with meals at work and home. Since radioactive material can be lethal to humans and exposure can be harmful at the very least, radioactive rooms are often kept from public viewing. These rooms are even found in clinics and hospitals, shut off from the public. Signs saying “Keep Out” or “Do Not Enter” are often the norm.
Next, radiation treatment for skin cancer varies in length of treatment. The external treatments of gamma rays, laser beams, and x-rays are performed three to five times a week for seven weeks. Depending on the type of skin cancer and whether it is malignant or benign, your radiation treatment could last a shorter or longer period of time than typical treatments mandate. Internal treatments, such as pills, last for as long as needed to stop the growth and multiplication of cancerous cells under the skin. Low and high radioactive doses may remain in the human body from seven days to five weeks.
Lastly, radiation treatment for skin cancer varies in effectiveness. Your skin cancer type may either be improved with certain treatments, made worse, or have little to no effect whatsoever. If you have melanoma, for example, radiation will most likely not help you; however, a person who has cell carcinoma or lymphatic cancer may find a solution in radioactive treatment.