Brachytherapy for Facial Skin Cancer: A Tissue-Sparing Alternative to Surgery
Medical professionals in Örebro and Stockholm are utilizing a specialized treatment called brachytherapy to treat skin tumors, specifically basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. This method is particularly significant for patients with tumors on the face, as it allows for the removal of cancer while sparing healthy tissue and vital functions more effectively than traditional surgery.
The Surgical Balancing Act
Removing cancer tumors from the face via surgery often presents a difficult challenge for clinicians. Surgeons must balance the need to ensure all tumor tissue is removed by taking a wide margin with the desire to preserve the patient’s appearance and physical functions.
Bengt Johansson, a senior consultant in oncology at Örebro University Hospital (USÖ), notes that while wide margins ensure the cancer is gone, narrow margins increase the risk that parts of the tumor may remain. This tension makes the preservation of cosmetics and function a primary concern in facial oncology.
A Precision Approach to Radiation
Brachytherapy offers an alternative by delivering high doses of radiation directly to the tumor through catheters. Unlike surgery, which requires the physical removal of tissue, this method spares the surrounding healthy tissue.
According to ST-doctor Julia Kilhed, the treatment is fast and gentle, providing results with a risk of recurrence as low as that of surgery. Patients typically experience fewer side effects and shorter overall treatment times.
Preserving Vital Facial Features
The method is especially beneficial for tumors located on sensitive areas of the head and body, including the lips, outer ears, the area near the eye, and the nose. Bengt Johansson emphasizes that for a patient with a tumor on the wing of the nose, retaining that structure is far more valuable than having it surgically removed.
Despite these benefits, the method is not universally offered because not all healthcare providers are familiar with it. This lack of awareness may lead some patients to undergo surgery and later regret the loss of specific functions or body parts.
The Treatment Process
The procedure begins with the surgical insertion of catheters—thin, flexible tubes—directly into the tumor. This is usually performed under local anesthesia, though general anesthesia may be required depending on the tumor’s location.
Following insertion, a CT scan is performed to determine the exact position of the catheters, which informs the planning of the radiation dose. Treatment typically begins the same day or the day after, occurring twice daily for approximately one week.
Regional Access and Future Outlook
Currently, the facility in Örebro accepts patients from Västerås, Södermanland, Västmanland, Dalarna, and Värmland, though referrals from other parts of the country are possible.
Given that some patients have expressed a desire for more options during their treatment planning, more providers may seek to implement this method. Increased awareness could potentially lead to a shift in how facial skin tumors are managed across different regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of skin cancer is brachytherapy used for?
It is used for basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer.
How does brachytherapy differ from surgery in terms of tissue preservation?
While surgery removes tissue to ensure cancer margins, brachytherapy uses radiation via catheters to destroy the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue and vital functions.
What is the typical timeframe for brachytherapy treatment?
After the catheters are placed and a CT scan is performed, treatment generally occurs twice a day for about one week.
How important is the preservation of facial aesthetics and function when considering cancer treatment options?