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Surgery-Free Skin Cancer Treatment in Chattanooga

Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) destroys basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers without cutting, scarring, or downtime — right here in Ooltewah, TN.

What Is Superficial Radiation Therapy?

Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) is an FDA-cleared, non-surgical treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers — specifically basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). It uses precisely calibrated, low-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells in the outer layers of the skin while leaving healthy surrounding tissue unharmed.

SRT has been used to treat skin cancer for decades and delivers cure rates comparable to surgical options like Mohs surgery — without the cutting, bleeding, stitches, or scarring. Treatment is performed right in our office, and most sessions take only a few minutes.

At Clear Derm Skin Cancer & Dermatology, Dr. Eli Kim — a board-certified, dermatology-focused family medicine physician — provides SRT as a proven, comfortable alternative to surgery for qualifying patients throughout the greater Chattanooga area.

How SRT Treatment Works

1. Consultation & Evaluation — Dr. Kim examines your skin cancer, reviews your pathology results, and determines whether SRT is the right treatment option for you.

2. Treatment Planning — The treatment area is precisely mapped and a customized radiation dose is calculated based on the size, type, and location of your cancer.

3. Treatment Sessions — You sit comfortably while the SRT device delivers a targeted dose of low-energy X-rays directly to the cancer site. Each session typically takes just a few minutes.

4. Treatment Course — Most patients undergo 15–20 sessions over approximately 5–7 weeks, with 2–3 sessions per week. There is no pain, no anesthesia, and no recovery period between sessions.

5. Follow-Up — After completing your treatment course, Dr. Kim monitors the treatment site to confirm full resolution and healthy skin regrowth.

Benefits of SRT Skin Cancer Treatment

  • No Surgery — No cutting, no bleeding, no stitches, and no need for reconstructive procedures

  • No Scarring — SRT preserves healthy skin tissue, making it ideal for cancers on the face, ears, nose, scalp, and other cosmetically sensitive areas

  • No Downtime — Resume your normal activities immediately after each session

  • Painless Treatment — Completely painless with no need for local anesthesia or sedation

  • High Cure Rate — Cure rates of 95%+ for non-melanoma skin cancers, comparable to surgical alternatives

  • In-Office Convenience — All treatment sessions performed in our Ooltewah office, no hospital visits required

  • Ideal for Older Adults — Excellent option for patients who may not be good candidates for surgery due to age, blood thinners, or other health considerations

Is SRT Right for You?

SRT may be an excellent treatment option if you:

  • Have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

  • Have skin cancer in a cosmetically sensitive area such as the face, nose, ears, eyelids, lips, or scalp

  • Want to avoid surgery, stitches, and surgical scarring

  • Are on blood thinners or have health conditions that make surgery higher-risk

  • Are an older adult looking for a gentler treatment approach

  • Have multiple skin cancer lesions that would require multiple surgical procedures

  • Prefer a non-invasive treatment with no downtime or recovery period

SRT is not appropriate for melanoma or skin cancers that have spread beyond the skin's surface. During your consultation, Dr. Kim will review your diagnosis and help you understand all available treatment options.

Looking for GentleCure in Chattanooga?

If you've been searching for GentleCure or Image-Guided SRT (IG-SRT) in the Chattanooga area, you may have noticed there is no GentleCure provider locally. The nearest GentleCure locations are in Knoxville and Johnson City — each over an hour away.

What Is GentleCure?

GentleCure is a branded marketing program run by SkinCure Oncology. It is not a different kind of treatment — it is the same Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) technology used to treat non-melanoma skin cancers, delivered through their partner network of practices using the Sensus SRT-100 Vision machine. The ‘Vision’ model adds a built-in high-frequency ultrasound attachment that allows real-time imaging of the treatment area during sessions.

How Clear Derm’s SRT Compares

At Clear Derm, we use the same proven Superficial Radiation Therapy technology to treat basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. The core treatment — precisely targeted, low-energy X-rays that destroy cancer cells without surgery — is identical. The primary difference is that GentleCure practices use a machine model with a built-in ultrasound imaging attachment for real-time visualization during treatment.

The Bottom Line

The underlying treatment is the same proven, FDA-cleared Superficial Radiation Therapy. If you're looking for surgery-free skin cancer treatment close to home in Chattanooga, Clear Derm offers the same core SRT technology without the long drive — and without the markup that comes with a national marketing program.

Why Choose Clear Derm for SRT Skin Cancer Treatment?

  • Chattanooga's Trusted Skin Cancer & Dermatology Practice — Rated 5.0 stars by our patients; we specialize in both medical and surgical skin care

  • Experienced, Board-Certified Physician — Dr. Eli Kim is a dermatology-focused family medicine physician dedicated to providing expert skin cancer care

  • Convenient Ooltewah Location — Located right off I-75 at 5545 Little Debbie Pkwy, easily accessible from Chattanooga, Collegedale, Cleveland, and the surrounding region

  • Personalized Treatment Plans — Every patient receives an individualized consultation and treatment plan tailored to their specific diagnosis and goals

  • Comprehensive Skin Cancer Care — From diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, we manage your complete skin cancer care journey under one roof

  • Keloid Treatment Available — SRT is also FDA-cleared for post-surgical keloid prevention, which we offer as an additional service

What to Expect During SRT Treatment

Your First Visit

During your initial consultation, Dr. Kim will review your biopsy results, examine the treatment area, and discuss your diagnosis and treatment options. If SRT is appropriate for your case, he will explain the treatment plan, expected timeline, and answer all of your questions.

During Treatment

Each treatment session is quick and comfortable. You'll sit in a treatment chair while the SRT applicator is positioned over the cancer site. The machine delivers a precisely measured dose of low-energy radiation — you won't feel anything during the treatment itself. Most sessions are completed in under 10 minutes.

Between Sessions

There is no special wound care required between sessions. You may notice mild redness or a protective scab forming at the treatment site, which is normal and expected. You can continue all of your normal daily activities, including bathing, exercising, and working.

After Treatment

Once your treatment course is complete, Dr. Kim will schedule a follow-up visit approximately 6 weeks later to examine the treatment site and confirm healing. Most patients see full skin regrowth with excellent cosmetic results.

Frequently Asked Questions About SRT

  • No. SRT uses low-energy X-rays that only penetrate the outer layers of the skin — similar in energy to a dental X-ray. It is specifically designed for surface-level skin cancers and does not affect deeper tissues or organs the way traditional radiation therapy does.

  • No. SRT is completely painless. There are no needles, no anesthesia, and no discomfort during or after treatment sessions.

  • Most patients require 15–20 treatment sessions over a period of approximately 5–7 weeks, with 2–3 sessions per week. The exact number depends on the size, type, and location of your skin cancer.

  • SRT is FDA-cleared for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). It is not used to treat melanoma.

  • Yes. SRT is an FDA-cleared treatment for skin cancer and is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. Our office will verify your coverage and discuss any costs before treatment begins.

  • GentleCure is a branded program by SkinCure Oncology that delivers the same Superficial Radiation Therapy for skin cancer. The GentleCure program uses a specific machine model (Sensus SRT-100 Vision) that includes built-in ultrasound imaging. At Clear Derm, we use the same core SRT technology to treat skin cancer effectively. There is no GentleCure provider in the Chattanooga area — the nearest locations are in Knoxville and Johnson City.

  • Yes. SRT is one of the best treatment options for skin cancers on the face, nose, ears, eyelids, lips, and scalp because it preserves healthy tissue and does not leave surgical scars.

  • Absolutely. SRT is especially well-suited for older adults and patients who may not be ideal candidates for surgery due to age, medications like blood thinners, or other health conditions.

  • SRT has been shown to achieve cure rates of 95% or higher for non-melanoma skin cancers, which is comparable to surgical options. Your specific prognosis will depend on the type, size, and stage of your skin cancer.

  • Yes. SRT is also FDA-cleared for the prevention of keloid recurrence following surgical removal. If you are prone to keloid scarring, ask Dr. Kim about post-surgical SRT treatment.