Anyone had GentleCure (IM-SRT) for Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Posted by Susan, Volunteer Mentor @grammato3, Aug 22, 2025

@pianist3 This sounds like a type of radiation I had some years back for a basal or squamous cell carcinoma I had on my face. Honestly, I've had so many over the years, I've lost track of the specifics, but I do recall going for a type of low level radiation treatment over the course of a few weeks. Is that what you'll be having? I've pretty much run the gamut for every type of skin cancer and interventions: creams, electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C), MOHs, wide local excision. Basal cells can be handled relatively easily and painlessly, especially with targeted treatment as you describe.

You're definitely wise to be using sunscreen. Here are a few more helpful pointers: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/simple-steps-to-prevent-skin-cancer

I'm anxious to hear how you do after the procedure -- can you adding a follow up?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Support Group.

pianist3 | @pianist3 | Jan 11 9:19pm

In reply to @samclembeau "@pianist3 I am assuming you had some blistering? if so, how long before they healed?" + (show)

@samclembeau Hi, Sam! I actually only had redness, because I was very diligent about putting on Aquaphor salve (better than Vaseline, imo.) I reapplied about 10 X's a day and especially at night...I still use it about 4X a day now, the redness is almost gone, it's light pink now and you probably wouldn't be able to tell I ever had it. The spots seem drier than my other skin and no hair on them (but, that's fine for my upper lip, haha!) Anyway, where is your spot located? I'm sure you'll be just fine, if you use a lot of Aquaphor. Best of luck and prayers for you!! Please keep me posted!!! 🙂 PS: It took about 1 month to have all of the redness go away. 🙂

samclembeau | @samclembeau | Jan 12 7:24pm

my spots are on the bridge of my nose, cheek, and eyebrow. thank you for the information. was worried about open sores or blisters that would take forever to heal. gentle radiation sounds like the way to go.

pianist3 | @pianist3 | Jan 12 8:07pm

In reply to @samclembeau "my spots are on the bridge of my nose, cheek, and eyebrow. thank you for the..." + (show)

@samclembeau Yes, You'll really like it, I think. From what I gather, you can have up to 2 spots worked on at a time, but that's just from the place that I was going to. But, you'll have to check with your provider. It can work great for basal cell and squamish cell carcinomas...but, not super deep ones...but, don't quote me! 🙂 Sending you healing blessings!! You've got this!! hugs, Mia 😉

samclembeau | @samclembeau | Jan 12 11:06pm

thank you for your encouragement. I feel more armed with information which is a feeling of power.

pianist3 | @pianist3 | Jan 12 11:41pm

In reply to @samclembeau "thank you for your encouragement. I feel more armed with information which is a feeling of..." + (show)

@samclembeau you’re very welcome! There is no pain as well!! Zero! And I have intense anxiety, so if I can do it, anyone can. Let me know how it’s going and I’ll keep you in my prayers! 🙏🙏🥰🥰

cleveland26 | @cleveland26 | Jan 29 5:16pm

In reply to @bhintz777 "Call Gentle Cure No surgeries. I had skin cancer on my nose in 1995. 4Hours in..." + (show)

@bhintz777 Hello, Thirteen days ago I finished my twentieth and final IG SRT treatment from Gentle Cure in Tacoma, WA. My basal cell carcinoma was on the tip of my nose. I am a 78 year old man. Treatment area had noticeable scab after ten or so treatments. Today I have only a small scab which should be hone by next week. I have a follow up appointment in six weeks.

I was told I could have Mohs surgery but I would have to go down the street to a cosmetic surgeon immediately after the Mohs surgeon was done removing the cancer. I opted for IG SRT and am very satisfied.

jc76 | @jc76 | Jan 30 7:34am

@pianist3
My Mayo MOHS surgeon also recommended Aquaphor. I find it much thicker and goes into skin much easier.

cw17 | @cw17 | Apr 15 12:18pm

I have basal cell carcinoma on one side of my nose. About an inch long that looks like a scar and has been there for years. After they did a biopsy, it started spreading while I looked for a MOHS surgeon. A friend told me about Gentle Cure, and I signed up for it. The doctor did not tell me about any down sides to the treatment, and now I am reading that scars can occur and that fatigue is often associated with treatment. The whole reason why I choose Gentle Cure treatment was to AVOID scarring! Should I be concerned? Is there anything I should be doing or asking? Beyond stressed.

Susan, Volunteer Mentor | @grammato3 | Apr 15 3:35pm

In reply to @cw17 "I have basal cell carcinoma on one side of my nose. About an inch long that..." + (show)

@cw17: Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect where several people have experienced similar situations as you are going through, including myself.

I have had several BCCs, SCCs - even melanoma - over the years. I once opted for radiation although I'm uncertain if it was called Gentle Cure, when I had a BCC near my eye; several visits to the radiologist over a period of weeks, no real down time or appreciable side effects except for maybe some scaling/redness and needed to take basic precautions when out in the sun. It must have worked well as I have no scarring in that area!

As for pros/cons: You are correct that radiation is less likely to leave any type of scarring; some skin discoloration may be possible. No incisions are required. It does, however, require multiple sessions and there is no sure fire way to assess all margins are clear. Mohs does remain the gold standard to ensure all margins are clear; it is performed in one session. To my knowledge, and in my experience, neither has resulted in any associated fatigue.

Why had your doctor not informed you of this option? Possibly because it is not offered in office. Have you inquired about the treatment with them to get their perspective?

pianist3 | @pianist3 | Apr 15 5:46pm

@grammato3 no problem at all! It’s nice to hear from you. :). I hope my posts help another down the road with their decision making. Stay well!!! Blessings to you,

Hugs, Mia 🥰🥰💐💐☀️☀️