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Anyone had GentleCure (IM-SRT) for Basal Cell Carcinoma?
@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?
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@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??
@cw17: At any rate, please accept my delayed welcome and let's see if we can delve a bit deeper into some of your concerns.
As to which procedure to undergo, this choice is entirely up to you and you're doing the right thing by asking questions about the two: Mohs vs Gentle Cure. It helps to research the pros and cons and of course discuss with your medical provider. You may want to ask why was Mohs decided upon rather than the radiation option you've learned about. Is this a basal or squamous cell cancer that would require being absolutely sure of the depth and margins? Is it recurrent? In such cases, a provider may have a preference to do Mohs.
You noted the concern about skin discoloration. Was it on this forum that you'd read about the possibility of Gentle Cure leaving a bleached or white mark on the area that would be treated? I am honestly not familiar with that as most areas treated by such type of radiation typically have temporary changes in skin color (if at all) while undergoing treatment and perhaps for a few weeks afterwards. I have not read any conclusive evidence of a permanent bleached type of result.
You also noted there is only one location in your state that provides the Gentle Cure option so you'd need to be sure you're within a distance that would allow for several visits over a period of weeks, sometimes up to 3x for 7 weeks or so.
I can understand that with the location and size of the skin cancer being on your nose, there is a valid concern about what the cosmetic effect would be. When I'd had a wide local excision (WLE) for an advanced skin cancer (melanoma) I had required some reconstruction of adjacent skin that typically isn't the case with Mohs and the scar was initially quite alarming to me - but it has faded considerably over time, aided by 2 laser sessions. The Mohs procedures I've had, and there have been numerous ones I'm afraid, have honestly not left any noticeable scars as most dermatologists are quite adept at closure. This, again, is something you may want to discuss in greater detail with your provider, i.e. would plastic surgery or any other type of related interventions be necessary at a later date.
Has this background provided a basis to help you explore or make your decision any easier?
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3 Reactions@grammato3 Thanks for the good notes. I had Mohs one week ago for basal cell down the top of my nose, incision is healing up ok. There is a bump at the top of the 2” long incision, not sure why. Surgeon said I am allergic to the Rx cream and changed it. Two additional places on back and shoulder excised seem to be doing OK. Breast cancer found the same week as my Mohs, upcoming BC surgery in two weeks. BRCA1 and 2 both negative, but unknown variant in TP53 gene. Anyone else with both? Thanks
@texashummingbird: you are having your fair share of medical procedures and findings! So sorry to hear you're going through so much at once. For your questions about the breast cancer and upcoming surgery, you can get more answers and support at this forum: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/
Wishing you the best and a speedy recovery!
@grammato3 Thank you very much! I appreciate your help, 🥰
Suzanne
I am looking for those with experince or thoughts on Gentle Cure srt versus Moh's surgery. I am 80 year old female. The basil cell is located on sidewall of nose and is in situ. Second site is the tip of my nose and is squamous cell in situ originating from an actinic keratosis. Since my Medicaire and secondary cover both that isn't an issue. My issue is having to spend a full day getting up extremly early with a small puppy that doesn't wake till 8am as I do also. I would prefer going a few times a week at regular appointment times for a few weeks. I've been researching the Gentle Cure and it is said to not require any cutting and stitching. And leaves no scaring. I saw where my neighbor had had one on her nose removed via Moh's and she has a scar down the center of her nose. She said she had fibrous tissue that had also formed visable on her nose. That got me really more than curious about the Gentle Cure. Also with neither of these cancers invasive into any other layers of skin at this time. What are your experiences with both types. Thanks for any and all replies.
@2buddy: many people in your similar situation have expressed these concerns. There were several such comments and experiences in the other thread where I saw you also posed this very reasonable question so it would be helpful to read through the various responses there.
Additionally, there are postings here on the topic of Gentle Cure vs Mohs:: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/getting-gentlecure-im-srt-for-my-2-basal-cell-carcinomas-above-lip/
Ultimately, the ideal person with whom to have this conversation would be your medical provider who could provide you with the most appropriate recommendation based upon your history, clinical presentation and personal preferences, which it appears you have already carefully considered.
Let me know what you decide and how your treatment goes once you choose. Best of luck!
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2 ReactionsHad 2 MOHs surgeries 1 week apart. SCC on cheek was in situ. SCC on nose was not. My dermatologist told me MOHS is the better treatment even if in situ.
Talk to your dermatologist to ask more questions. Weigh out the options. Best of luck and hugs.
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2 ReactionsHave you seen the Mohs surgeon. ?If it a doctor other
than your dermatologist you are entitled to have a consultation with them discussing options before scheduling surgery. No rush in your situation.
@seniormed I see the Mohs surgeon this coming Thursday. But I do not want Mohs. Now I've seen and talked to four neighbors and seen the scars they have from their nose moh's surgery. I also can't sit for that long due to degerative disc disease in lumbar spine. There must be other options for a sidewall basal cell in situ and the squamous cell on tip of nose. Plus as I tried to explain to the dermatologist those tiny pink pimple but flat scaley patches come and go. May be four today and only one tomorrow. So to me this means that the whole tip or end of nose has what have been repeatedly treated as actinic keratosis. So then Moh's isn't going to even touch the others you can't see that day. I did read that blue light doesn't penetrate deep enough though to get the root of them so to speak.