Radiotherapy
There are 2 main types of radiotherapy, external and internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy). You usually have external radiotherapy for non melanoma skin cancer. But in some cases your doctor might use brachytherapy, although this is less common.
Find out more about brachytherapy
Your planning appointment takes from 15 minutes to 2 hours.
You usually have a planning CT scan in the radiotherapy department.
The scan shows the cancer and the area around it. You might have other types of scans or x-rays to help your treatment team plan your radiotherapy. The plan they create is just for you.
Find out more about having a CT scan
Your radiographers tell you what is going to happen. They help you into position on the scan couch. You might have a type of firm cushion called a vacbag to help you keep still.
The CT scanner couch is the same type of bed that you lie on for your treatment sessions. You need to lie very still. Tell your radiographers if you aren't comfortable.
You might need an injection of contrast into a vein in your hand. This is a dye that helps body tissues show up more clearly on the scan.
Before you have the contrast, your radiographer asks you about any medical conditions or allergies. Some people are allergic to the contrast.
Once you are in position your radiographers put some markers on your skin. They move the couch up and through the scanner. They then leave the room and the scan starts.
The scan takes about 5 minutes. You won't feel anything. Your radiographers can see and hear you from the CT control area where they operate the scanner.
The radiographers make pin point sized tattoo marks on your skin. They use these marks to line you up into the same position every day. The tattoos make sure they treat exactly the same area for all of your treatments. They may also draw marks around the tattoos with a permanent ink pen, so that they are clear to see when the lights are low.
The radiotherapy staff tell you how to look after the markings. The pen marks might start to rub off in time, but the tattoos won’t. Tell your radiographer if that happens. Don't try to redraw them yourself.
If you are having treatment to your head or neck, you may need to have a mould (shell) made to keep you perfectly still while you have treatment.
You may also have a mould if you have to keep an arm or leg still. Sometimes moulds are made for around the body to help you keep still.
The moulds are made in the mould room or in the CT scanning room.
Read more about radiotherapy masks and moulds
Your treatment team might use lead shields to protect delicate areas such as the eyes, nose or lips. The lead shields are only put in place when you're actually having treatment.
It can take a few days or up to 3 weeks before you start treatment. During this time your radiologists and doctors create your radiotherapy plan.
Last reviewed: 09 Feb 2023
Next review due: 09 Feb 2026
There are 2 main types of radiotherapy, external and internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy). The treatment you have will depend on where the skin cancer is and how big it is.
Coping with a skin cancer diagnosis can be difficult. Help and support is available. There are things you can do and people who can help.
Find out about the follow up you'll need after treatment for skin cancer.
Non melanoma skin cancer includes basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer and other rare types.
Non melanoma skin cancer includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and other rare types. They tend to develop most often on skin that has been exposed to the sun.
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