Electronic Brachytherapy
Compass Health’s brachytherapy treatment is the only treatment of its kind in mid- Michigan. The system brings a small X-ray source very close to the cancer lesion. Rather than surgically cutting the tissue away, high dose rate (HDR) radiation is precisely focused at cancerous tissue to destroy it. Treatments require just a few brief visits to the Compass Cancer Center.
What Is Electronic Brachytherapy Treatment?
Skin cancer treatment requires an individualized approach. Your Compass Health radiation oncologist will recommend a course of treatment and therapeutic modality based on your general health, age, medical history and the type, size and location of your cancer. Even in patients whose NMSC occurs in highly visible areas, Compass Health offers a new option with excellent cosmetic and clinical results. Esteya may also be the preferred option for patients for whom surgery presents a high intra-operative or post-operative risk of complications.
Is It Safe?
At Compass Health, your treatment is performed under the direction of a Board –Certified Radiation Oncologist – a physician who is specially trained and experienced in cancer and radiation treatments. Designed by a global leader in brachytherapy, this treatment allows the therapy to be focused directly at the cancerous lesion without damaging surrounding tissue. The applicators are uniquely designed to protect the healthy surrounding skin without additional shielding meaning your treatment is provided in a comfortable office room setting. The applicators come in a variety of sizes to enable safe and effective treatment of the challenging areas – such as around the eyes, on the nose, or on the shin. And, built-in features support your safety while optimizing treatment benefits.
Common side effects may include temporary redness, dryness, itching or soreness in the treated area. Be sure to discuss all the possible side effects with your Compass Health physician in order to make an informed decision in your own best interest.
If you answer yes to any of the following, ask us if you're a candidate for Esteya:
- I would prefer an alternative to skin cancer surgery
- My skin cancer lesion is in a challenging location
- My skin cancer lesion is in a highly visible location
- I am on blood thinners, I am a smoker, I am diabetic
- I have a busy schedule
Esteya is a patient-friendly, electronic brachytherapy (bray-kee-THER-eh-pee) solution for treating skin cancer. Esteya provides a non-surgical treatment option that destroys cancer cells while sparing healthy surrounding tissue. There’s no recovery downtime—which means minimal impact on your daily activities.
The Compass Health team is here for you
We understand that you may have questions or apprehensions about any treatment modalities. Be assured that you will feel a part of your treatment plan. At Compass Health, we are dedicated to our patients and believe in straight-forward and compassionate communication. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.