IG-SRT

IG-SRT in Vincennes: Painless, Non-Surgical Treatment for Early Skin Cancer

Some early-stage skin cancers can be treated without surgery. Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IG-SRT) is an advanced, non-invasive treatment designed for certain basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas that affect the surface of the skin.

At Vincennes Walk-In Dermatology, IG-SRT offers a precise alternative to surgical removal without cutting, stitches, or surgical downtime.

What Is IG-SRT?

IG-SRT stands for Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy.

It combines:

• High-resolution ultrasound imaging
• Low-energy superficial radiation

Ultrasound imaging maps the tumor’s exact:

• Width
• Depth
• Surface boundaries

Treatment is then calibrated specifically to those measurements, targeting only the cancerous tissue in the upper layers of the skin.

Because the therapy remains superficial, it does not penetrate deeply into the body.

Is IG-SRT Painful?

No.

IG-SRT is painless. The energy used treats only the upper layers of the skin and does not reach pain-sensing nerves.

There are:

• No injections
• No anesthesia
• No cutting
• No surgical wounds

Patients remain awake during treatment and can resume normal activities immediately afterward.

How IG-SRT Differs from Traditional Radiation

IG-SRT is not the same as radiation used for internal cancers.

It is:

• Low-energy
• Surface-level
• Designed specifically for skin cancers
• Focused only on the treatment area

It does not expose internal organs and does not circulate through the body.

This controlled approach allows effective treatment of superficial tumors while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.

What Types of Skin Cancer Can IG-SRT Treat?

IG-SRT is primarily used for:

• Early-stage Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
• Early-stage Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

It is not typically used for melanoma or deeply invasive tumors.

If you have not yet been diagnosed, begin with a professional skin cancer screening and biopsy evaluation.

Learn more about skin cancer screening and treatment.

Benefits of IG-SRT

For appropriately selected tumors, IG-SRT offers:

• Non-surgical treatment
• No stitches or wound care
• No surgical scar formation
• Excellent cosmetic preservation
• Minimal disruption to daily life
• High cure rates comparable to surgical options in selected cases

Lesions located on the face, scalp, ears, neck, or other visible areas may especially benefit from a non-surgical approach.

Who May Be a Candidate

IG-SRT may be appropriate for patients who:

• Have biopsy-confirmed early-stage BCC or SCC
• Prefer to avoid surgery
• Have medical conditions that increase surgical risk
• Have lesions in cosmetically sensitive areas

Treatment recommendations depend on tumor depth, size, location, and overall medical history.

What to Expect During Treatment

Treatment is delivered in a series of short outpatient sessions.

Typical treatment process:

• Imaging to measure tumor depth
• Individualized treatment planning
• Short treatment sessions several times per week
• Completion over a defined treatment period

Each visit usually lasts only a few minutes.

Temporary skin reactions may include:

• Mild redness
• Dryness
• Skin sensitivity

These effects generally resolve gradually after treatment is completed.

IG-SRT vs. Surgical Removal

Traditional surgical treatments such as excision or Mohs surgery physically remove the tumor and create a wound that must heal.

IG-SRT:

• Leaves no surgical wound
• Does not require stitches
• Does not involve tissue removal
• Preserves natural skin structure

Both approaches can be highly effective when used appropriately. Treatment decisions are based on medical criteria rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Insurance & Medicare Coverage

Most major insurance plans, including Medicare, commonly cover IG-SRT when it is medically indicated for appropriate skin cancers. Coverage varies by plan.

Benefit verification is typically available before treatment begins.

Walk-In Evaluation Available

If you have:

• A biopsy-confirmed basal or squamous cell carcinoma
• A newly diagnosed non-melanoma skin cancer
• A concerning lesion requiring evaluation

Walk-in assessment is available during regular clinic hours on a first-come, first-served basis.

We serve patients throughout Vincennes and the surrounding Knox County communities.

Non-Surgical Precision. Proven Outcomes.

Early detection expands treatment options. For eligible early-stage skin cancers, IG-SRT offers a painless, non-invasive treatment path.

Schedule a consultation or walk in during business hours to determine whether IG-SRT may be right for you.