"Superficial X-ray Treatment" (SXRT) uses a special x-ray machine designed to treat "superficial" or surface conditions. The x-rays generated by the SXRT machine have characteristics different from the x-rays produced by our larger linear accelerators. These different characteristics mean these x-rays are ideally suited for treating surface problems, because the x-rays do not penetrate deeply into the body, and only treat the more superficial parts, near the skin surface.

SXRT is usually used for treatment of skin cancers, other than melanomas, as an alternative to surgery. The vast majority of skin cancers treated with SXRT are cured by this treatment. The treatment is usually given over the course of one-to-a-few weeks, and requires outpatient visits over this period. The treatment takes about ten minutes, although the first visit can be longer because of the planning and checking required. There is no sensation at all associated with the treatment, and patients will not notice anything different immediately after the treatment.

Side-effects do occur, but develop gradually during the treatment course, and for a while after the last treatment. These side-effects are most characteristically skin "reactions" or changes at the site of treatment. These typically get better over a period of weeks after the treatment. In the long run the SXRT can cause some permanent skin changes at the treated site, but these do not usually trouble patients.

If SXRT therapy were recommended to patients, then our staff would explain fully the procedures and precise side-effects that might be expected for that specific treatment.