What is the new procedure instead of Mohs surgery?

Alternatives to Mohs surgery for skin cancer include electrodesiccation & curettage (scraping/burning), cryosurgery (freezing), topical creams (like imiquimod), radiation therapy (especially Image-Guided SRT), Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), surgical excision, and systemic therapies (chemo/immunotherapy for advanced cases). The best choice depends on the cancer type, size, location, and patient health, with options ranging from minimally invasive to more intensive.

Is GentleCure better than Mohs surgery?

Neither GentleCure (IG-SRT) nor Mohs surgery is universally "better"; they are different treatments for skin cancer, with GentleCure being a non-invasive radiation option (high cure rates, no scarring, multiple sessions) and Mohs a precise surgical method (excellent for complex cancers, potential scarring/reconstruction). GentleCure excels cosmetically for visible areas, while Mohs offers maximum precision for larger or sensitive tumors, making the choice dependent on cancer type, size, location, and patient preference for invasiveness. 

Is there something better than Mohs surgery?

While Mohs surgery is effective, it involves cutting, potential scarring, and downtime. Brachytherapy, on the other hand, offers excellent cosmetic results with no incision. It's non-invasive, has minimal side effects, and requires no recovery time.

What does GentleCure cost?

It is far more expensive than other commonly used treatments. The cost for treating one lesion is often over $14,000, which is why it is so heavily advertised. It is profitable! This particular modality of radiation uses the most treatment sessions, often 20 or more per lesion.

How painful is GentleCure?

GentleCure (Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy or IGSRT) is generally described as painless during the actual treatment sessions, similar to an X-ray, with most people feeling little to no discomfort, maybe just warmth or tingling, and no anesthesia needed. However, side effects after treatment can include mild redness, dryness, irritation, peeling, or scabbing, similar to sunburn, which usually resolves as the skin heals over several weeks.
 

New Method Treats Skin Cancer Without Surgery

How many sessions are needed for GentleCure?

The number of treatments can vary depending on the tumor size, depth, and complexity of the individual situation. Typically, treatment with GentleCure involves 18 to 25 short treatment sessions (about 10 minutes each) over the course of several weeks.

Who is a good candidate for GentleCure?

Ideal candidates for GentleCure include people with early-stage basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma that hasn't spread beyond the skin's surface. The cancer should be clearly defined and accessible for treatment. Patients who want to avoid surgical scars often find GentleCure particularly appealing.

Does Medicare pay for GentleCure?

Is GentleCure™ Covered by Medicare? Yes, Medicare and most insurance policies cover GentleCure™ for eligible skin cancer treatments. After your initial consultation at the Élan Clinic, our staff will provide a cost estimate, discuss insurance, and explore financing options, so you know what to expect financially.

How soon should squamous cell carcinoma be removed?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) should be treated as soon as possible after diagnosis, ideally within a few weeks (3-4 weeks is a common recommendation), because prompt removal curtails growth, prevents deeper invasion, and significantly reduces the risk of it spreading (metastasis), with early-stage SCC having a very high cure rate. Delays, even by just a couple of months, can make the cancer harder to treat and increase the chance of recurrence or spread, especially for aggressive forms or if the patient is immunocompromised, so consult your doctor for the right timing for your specific case.
 

What are the side effects of gentle cure?

GentleCure (Image-Guided SRT) side effects are generally mild, focusing on skin reactions like redness, irritation, thinning, and temporary pigment changes, often resembling sunburn, which usually resolve within weeks of treatment. Other potential effects include temporary hair loss in the treated area, mild nosebleeds if treating the nose, and rarely, slow-healing ulcers. The body replaces dead cancer cells, and side effects are managed with topical creams, with cosmetic outcomes generally good. 

What if I don't want Mohs surgery?

At Dermatology and Skin Health, we want our patients to understand the consequences of delaying treatment for basal cell carcinoma. Putting off Mohs surgery can allow the cancer time to advance, recur after incomplete removal, and potentially lead to metastasis in very rare cases.

What is the gold standard treatment for basal cell carcinoma?

Mohs surgery is the gold standard treatment for the vast majority of basal and squamous cell carcinomas, which often occur on visible areas of the body that get the most sun exposure, like the scalp, face, nose, ears, neck, hands, and arms.

How to stop getting basal cell carcinoma?

To avoid basal and squamous cell carcinoma, NYU Langone doctors recommend limiting your exposure to the sun and other sources of harmful ultraviolet rays, such as tanning beds. Dermatologists recommend avoiding the sun between the hours of 10:00AM and 4:00PM, when its rays are strongest.

Does GentleCure really work?

Yes, GentleCure (Image-Guided SRT) works effectively for early-stage basal and squamous cell skin cancers, boasting a reported 99%+ cure rate, offering a non-surgical, painless alternative to Mohs surgery with no downtime, and using ultrasound to precisely target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue, though long-term studies are still emerging. Patients often experience mild, temporary skin irritation, but high satisfaction rates are reported. 

How many treatments are there for gentle cure?

GentleCure is a surgery-free treatment that is safe and has a 99.3% cure rate in nonmelanoma skin cancers. Because the dosage at each treatment is a fraction of the total dosage, treatments take 6-7 weeks with typically three short treatments per week and are done right in the dermatology office.

What is the best surgery for basal cell carcinoma?

Mohs surgery is considered the most effective technique for treating many basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), the two most common types of skin cancer.

Can squamous carcinoma return after it has been surgically removed?

Skin cancer can return even after complete removal and reconstruction. Basal and squamous cell carcinoma have recurrence risks, especially in high-risk areas. Clear margins reduce risk but don't guarantee recurrence won't happen. Regular follow-ups and early detection are key to long-term outcomes.

What not to do for squamous cell carcinoma?

While you can't prevent all types of squamous cell carcinoma, you can take steps to reduce your risk by: Avoiding excessive sun exposure. Avoid using tanning beds. Using sunscreen when you're outdoors.

What is the new treatment for squamous cell carcinoma?

Treatment overview

In July 2021, the FDA expanded this approval to include SCC that is locally advanced and not curable by radiation or surgery. In 2024, the FDA approved cosibelimab-ipdl (UnloxcytTM) for adults with locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma that is not curable with surgery or radiation.

What are the 5 things Medicare won't cover?

Medicare doesn't cover routine dental, vision (glasses/contacts), hearing aids, most long-term care, and cosmetic surgery; it also excludes most prescription drugs without a Part D plan, acupuncture, and personal items, requiring supplemental plans or Medicare Advantage (Part C) for broader coverage. 

Is Gentle Cure FDA approved?

GentleCure™ is an FDA-approved form of Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IG‑SRT) — a non-invasive, low-dose technique that precisely targets basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other early superficial skin cancers.

What dermatology procedures are covered by Medicare for seniors?

Medicare generally covers medically necessary dermatology under Part B, including diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions. Coverage varies by plan and diagnosis. Common covered services include skin cancer screenings, biopsies, and lesion removal when medically necessary.

Which cancers rarely metastasize?

Basal cell carcinoma for example rarely metastasizes.

Do dermatologists check private areas?

Yes, dermatologists do check private areas like the genitals, groin, and buttocks during a full-body skin check, especially if you mention concerns or for comprehensive skin cancer screening, but it's done with your consent, professionalism, and draping for your comfort, often with a chaperone present. They examine these areas as part of a head-to-toe assessment, looking for rashes, infections, skin cancers, or other issues, normalizing the process as a standard medical examination. 

Which skin cancer has the poorest prognosis?

Skin melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Although it accounts for less than 5% of all skin cancer cases, deaths from melanoma account for more than 70% of deaths from all skin tumours.