Wichita families have a new option for treating superficial skin cancers without surgery. Via Christi Cancer Center has installed an image‑guided superficial radiation therapy machine, the only one of its kind in the city, offering a fast, non‑incisional procedure.
How the treatment works
The therapy uses ultrasound imaging to map the exact margins of a basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma beneath the skin. Once the tumor’s boundaries are identified, the machine delivers a focused dose of radiation directly to the spot. A typical session lasts about 38 seconds, and the entire visit, including positioning and safety checks, takes roughly five minutes.
Patient experience
Julie Schaar, a Wichita resident, has been undergoing the treatment for the past five weeks. “I’m receiving radiation to my forehead for a basal cell carcinoma,” she explained before a recent appointment. “My last treatment will be tomorrow, and I’ve completed 20 treatments.” Schaar described the process as straightforward: “They get me positioned, place the machine over the spot, cover me with lead, and start the machine. I step out, and in about 38 seconds I receive treatment.” She added that the procedure is comfortable, noting, “There’s nothing uncomfortable. Nothing that I can’t tolerate. It’s been a very easy process to go through.”
Medical perspective
Dr. David Bryant, medical director of the Via Christi Cancer Center, said the new system fills a gap left when Wichita’s previous superficial radiation machine was retired. “We decided to fill in the gap,” Bryant said, emphasizing the precision the ultrasound imaging provides. He highlighted the therapy’s effectiveness, stating, “We have a 99 percent success rate treating both basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.”
Dr. Bryant also encouraged patients to seek multiple professional opinions, noting that each treatment option carries its own pros and cons. “It’s always good to get a couple of opinions because there are pros and cons to each of the treatment options. And it’s always good to know what your options are,” he said. He recommends that anyone diagnosed with a superficial skin cancer discuss the therapy with a qualified medical professional to determine if it is the right fit.
Why this matters for Wichita
Skin cancer remains one of the most common cancers in the United States, and early, effective treatment is essential for preserving health and minimizing scarring. By offering a non‑surgical, quick, and highly successful option locally, Via Christi helps residents avoid travel to larger metropolitan centers and reduces the need for invasive procedures that can carry higher risks and longer recovery times.
Local physicians and community health advocates have praised the addition as a step forward for Wichita’s healthcare landscape, aligning with broader efforts to provide advanced, patient‑centered care within the city.
Original reporting: KWCH 12 (Gray) – local — read the source article.
