Skin cancer care · Adelaide
Superficial radiation therapy for selected basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. Understand your options, from consultation to follow-up.
A/Prof Peter Gorayski Radiation Oncologist
01 / A different approach
Superficial radiotherapy uses low-energy X-rays (typically 50–150 kV) that deposit most of their dose within the first few millimetres of skin, limiting exposure to deeper tissue.
Suitability is determined case-by-case by a radiation oncologist, with your diagnosis, health and preferences in mind.
Meet your specialistNo cutting or sutures
Treatment is delivered to the skin surface without incisions or stitches.
No hospital stay
Short outpatient visits of around 15 minutes, fitted around your day.
Tissue preservation
Designed to spare surrounding healthy skin in cosmetically sensitive areas.
Understanding your diagnosis
Your biopsy report helps your doctor identify the cancer type. Its depth, location and other features matter when choosing treatment.
BCC starts in basal cells in the outer layer of the skin. It often grows slowly and rarely spreads elsewhere, but can damage nearby tissue if left untreated.
Surgery is commonly used. Superficial radiotherapy may be an option for selected lesions after the biopsy findings and available treatments have been reviewed.
SCC starts in squamous cells in the outer layer of the skin. Some SCCs can grow more deeply or spread, so assessment of their risk features is important.
Superficial radiotherapy is not appropriate for every SCC. Deeper or higher-risk disease may require surgery or a different treatment approach.
A changing or non-healing skin lesion needs medical assessment. Appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.
How the treatment works
Superficial radiotherapy uses low-energy X-rays that deposit most of their dose near the skin surface and fall away quickly with depth. Your radiation oncologist selects the setting after assessing the lesion; suitability is decided individually.
Lower-energy settings concentrate dose in the outer skin layers, suited to thin, flat lesions.
The equipment
Treatment is delivered with the WOmed T-105, a superficial X-ray therapy unit purpose-built for skin treatments. Its range of low energies and interchangeable applicators allows the field size and depth to be matched to the individual lesion during planning.
Small applicator fields are suited to treatment near delicate structures such as the nose, eyelids and ears, where precise field placement matters.
Clinical indications
Select an anatomical area to learn how SXRT may be considered alongside other options.
Central Face
In anatomically sensitive areas, surgical excision may require flaps or grafts to close the defect. SXRT may be considered to treat the lesion while preserving surrounding tissue and function, subject to histology and lesion depth.
Who may benefit
Superficial radiotherapy is one of several established treatments for suitable skin cancers. It is most often discussed when surgery is less attractive — but the right choice always depends on your individual situation.
People whose general health or age makes an operation or anaesthetic higher risk.
Those taking anticoagulants, where surgery carries added bleeding risk.
Lesions where removal would need a skin graft or flap to close the wound.
Sites such as the nose, eyelids or lips, where surgery may leave a more noticeable change.
Wounds on the lower leg can be slow to heal after surgery, particularly in older patients.
People who wish to avoid a period of reduced activity or wound care after an operation.
Cases where a cancer has been incompletely removed and further treatment is being considered.
Patients who, after understanding both options, prefer a non-surgical approach.
This list is general information only and does not determine your suitability. A radiation oncologist assesses each person individually, and surgery remains the appropriate treatment in many cases.
Balanced overview
Each modality has a role. The appropriate option depends on tumour type, location, patient health and preference.
| Modality | Invasiveness | Healing Profile | Key Clinical Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgical Excision | Invasive (local anaesthetic, sutures) | Wound healing over 1–3 weeks; linear scar | Provides histological margin confirmation; may require flaps or grafts in complex sites. |
| Superficial Radiotherapy (SXRT) | Non-invasive | Skin reaction peaks ~2 weeks post-treatment; gradual healing | Multiple visits required; no margin histology; late skin changes possible. |
| Topical Agents | Non-invasive (self-applied) | Local inflammation during treatment course | Generally limited to superficial BCC and pre-cancerous lesions; relies on adherence. |
General information only. Discuss individual suitability with your treating practitioner.
Patient journey
Before, during & after care
The team will give you instructions for your own treatment site. The guidance below is a starting point for your consultation.
The treated area may become red, dry, tender or crusted. Follow the team's skin-care advice and let them know about changes rather than adding products yourself.
Skin reactions can continue or worsen before they settle. Healing varies by site and individual health; some areas need dressings and additional review.
Attend follow-up to assess healing and the response to treatment. Lasting changes in skin colour, texture or hair growth can occur; your doctor will discuss these risks.
Continue sun protection and regular skin checks with your GP or dermatologist. Treatment of one lesion does not prevent new skin cancers.
Contact your treating team promptly for increasing pain, spreading redness, discharge, fever or a wound that is not healing. Seek urgent medical care if you feel seriously unwell.
BSc (Hons), BMBS, FRACGP, FRANZCR
Radiation Oncologist with appointments at Icon Cancer Centre Windsor Gardens, the Royal Adelaide Hospital, and the Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research.
Full profile at Icon Cancer Centre (opens in a new tab)Your specialist
Every treatment plan is assessed and prescribed by a radiation oncologist — a specialist doctor trained in the use of radiation therapy. Your diagnosis and all suitable options, both surgical and non-surgical, are explained so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Fees & Medicare
Informed financial consent is part of every consultation — costs and likely rebates are discussed before you decide to proceed.
Treatment fees typically cover planning, custom shielding, the full course of treatment, and post-treatment review.
Medicare rebates are available for eligible patients with a valid referral. Full payment is made upfront, and Medicare generally reimburses the rebate promptly.
Once your annual out-of-pocket medical expenses exceed the Safety Net threshold, Medicare covers a higher proportion of the remaining gap for the rest of the calendar year.
Private health funds generally do not cover this treatment. DVA Gold Card holders are welcome — please mention this when booking. You will receive a written fee estimate, including expected Medicare rebates, at your consultation before any treatment begins. Fees and rebates vary; confirm current amounts at consultation.
Common questions
SXRT may be considered for biopsy-confirmed BCC or SCC where surgery is less desirable — for example lesions on the central face, ears or scalp, patients with health issues that increase surgical risk, or those who prefer a non-invasive option. Suitability is always determined case-by-case by the treating radiation oncologist.
For general practitioners & referrers
Treatment location
Superficial radiotherapy is delivered at Icon Cancer Centre Windsor Gardens. Hours shown are indicative — please confirm directly with the rooms.
Clinic
Icon Cancer Centre, Windsor Gardens SA 5087
Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm
Get directionsContact the rooms
Fax (08) 6477 3639
A/Prof Gorayski also holds appointments at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and the Australian Bragg Centre. Treatment with the superficial X-ray unit is delivered at Windsor Gardens.
