Laser & Light Treatments
Radiation Therapy for Skin Cancer
I have more than 25 years of successfully treating select skin cancers with superficial radiation therapy. We are one of the few dermatology offices in North Carolina with this capability.
Superficial (kilovoltage) radiation therapy penetrates skin deep to treat the cancer cells in basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma preferentially over the normal skin cells making it a safe and painless option for treating these cancers in select patients. Older patients, certain locations such as the face, wanting to avoid reconstructive surgery and extensive scarring are some of the reasons for selecting this treatment.
Administration of radiation therapy
Your initial visit to the office will involve evaluation of your skin cancer and deciding on a treatment plan. Once the dose for you cancer is determined, your treatments will be divided into lower doses or fractions. Most skin cancers require 10-20 fractions or visits for successful treatment. Each visit will last about 15 minutes with the actual painless treatment lasting about one minute.
Adverse Effects of radiation therapy
After your treatments have been completed in 2-3 weeks the area will become red like a sunburn. Over the next two weeks you may develop some swelling, oozing, ulceration or crusting of the treatment site. Topical treatment with products such as Polysporin ointment or Cicalfate cream may expedite the healing. Eventually the healed pink area will fade away as the cancer disappears. Your physician will continue to monitor the site after treatment.
PHOTOS MAY BE ADDED ....
XTRAC® Laser for Psoriasis
Now Available for Mild, Moderate, & Severe Psoriasis!
If you suffer from psoriasis, or if you know someone who does, then you know the frustrations such as stubborn skin plaques that may not respond to gels or creams. Finally, patients can enjoy long lasting, effective relief from the painful symptoms of psoriasis in just a few short treatments…including patients that have moderate to severe psoriasis.
We are Very Excited to Offer this Highly Effective Laser Therapy
Benefits of the XTRAC Laser:
Covered by Most Insurance Plans
Now, even more insurance companies are covering XTRAC® Excimer Laser Therapy for psoriasis Individual results may vary.
Results
XTRAC® Laser for Vitiligo
The XTRAC Excimer Laser is designed to provide a safe & effective treatment for Vitiligo.
Using a carefully focused beam of laser light delivered through an advanced-technology hand piece, the XTRAC Laser system can treat vitiligo skin patches quickly and effectively. Because the XTRAC Laser is able to concentrate the light only to the affected area, it can deliver the doses necessary to stimulate repigmentation in the vitiligo patch without exposing the healthy skin.
XTRAC therapy can be used on any vitiligo areas regardless of location on the body. However, studies have shown that it tends to be most successful on the face and neck. It is also safe for children, pregnant women and women who are nursing. XTRAC Laser treatments are performed 2 to 3 times per week. The treatments are relatively quick but the exact time depends on the areas being treated and the extent of the involvement. Most patients will begin to see repigmentation within 6 to 12 treatments. Successful repigmentation often can be obtained in 30 treatments or less. (Individual results will vary.)
Most patients feel no pain or discomfort during laser sessions and anesthesia is not required. Occasionally, some patients report a warm sensation, similar to a mild sunburn, at the treatment site. The most common side effect of the laser is erythema (redness). Other possible side effects include blisters or hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). Side effects are generally well tolerated, and during the trial study, no patients discontinued treatments due to side effects.
XTRAC Laser therapy for vitiligo is covered by some insurance companies; however the coverage will vary by plan. If not covered by your insurance, affordable payment options are available.
