Mill Creek clinic can now cure some skin cancers without surgery

Frontier Dermatology in Mill Creek has made a groundbreaking advancement by becoming the first clinic in Washington to offer Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IG-SRT) for nonmelanoma skin cancers. This innovative treatment provides a nonsurgical option with a remarkable 99. 3% cure rate, appealing to patients who wish to avoid the scarring that often accompanies traditional surgical methods. Cheryl Cayford, a patient who received IG-SRT, described the procedure as painless and efficient, taking only 25 minutes per session. The clinic's introduction of this technology is particularly relevant given Washington's concerning melanoma rates, which surpass those of traditionally sunnier states like California and Florida.

The treatment utilizes low-level radiation similar to that used in dental X-rays, targeting only the skin's surface and limiting side effects. Frontier Dermatology aims to expand its offerings to eight clinics across the state within two years, increasing access to this promising treatment. Preventative measures, including regular skin checks and daily sunscreen application, are strongly encouraged to mitigate skin cancer risks. This development represents a significant step forward in dermatological care for the region.