Connect
← Return to Getting GentleCure (IM-SRT) for my 2 Basal Cell Carcinomas
Discussion
Getting GentleCure (IM-SRT) for my 2 Basal Cell Carcinomas
Melanoma & Skin Cancer | Last Active: 6 hours ago | Replies (31)Comment receiving replies
@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?
Replies to "@cw17: Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect where several people have experienced similar situations as you are..."
@grammato3 No one except a friend told me about Gentle Cure. There is only one place in my state where it is offered. But what concerns me now is the chance that it will leave a bleached mark on the side of my nose. The area of the cancer is about one inch long and about 1/4 wide. Reading these comments made me aware of this possibility as the Gentle Cure doctor never mentioned that. So to me, a white mark is still a scar. Maybe I'd be better off with MOHS and then plastic surgery??
Connect
@grammato3 Hi there! Thank you for your note and concern. I did know about Mohs surgery and the option of Gentle Cure. With Gentle Cure they can see the cancer go away and the margins are clear on the ultrasound. The cure results are the same as Mohs or maybe .001 difference. The two BCC spots were on my upper lip and surgery would have affected my smile and eating comfortably during recovery...and I'm petrified of needles and cutting....so, Gentle Cure was the ticket! I've been done with my treatment for 4 months now and I'm cancer free...YAY!! There is absolutely no scarring and other than the radiation affecting my energy and thyroid a little, all is great now! I would highly recommend Gentle Cure for those not wanting to have surgery...however, if I had one on my arm or leg, I'm pretty sure I would do the surgery, as the Gentle Cure treatments do take up a lot of time and I'm not a fan of getting any radiation, even a very tiny amount. Ok, I hope you're having a wonderful day and take good care!! God Bless YOU!! 🙂 Mia