Treating Skin Cancer Does Not Always Mean Surgery

When someone hears they have skin cancer, it’s natural for their mind to jump ahead to surgery — incisions, recovery, and what healing might look like afterward. For many patients, surgery is the right choice. But it isn’t the only option, and it isn’t always the best fit for every person or every area of the body.

That’s why Midwest Dermatology offers GentleCure, a non-surgical treatment option for certain non-melanoma skin cancers. GentleCure is available at our Dodge location.

A Different Way to Treat Certain Skin Cancers

GentleCure is designed to treat specific basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers using image-guided superficial radiation therapy. Low-energy radiation is carefully directed at the cancer itself while protecting the surrounding healthy skin.

Before each treatment, ultrasound imaging is used to measure the depth of the lesion. That information is recorded and tracked throughout the course of care, allowing the treatment team to monitor how the cancer is responding over time.

“Patients are often reassured when they see how targeted the treatment really is,” says Jana Evanoff, MPH, RT(R)(T). “We’re treating just the lesion, and we’re monitoring it closely the entire time.”

Treatments are performed in the office, are painless, and typically take about 10 to 15 minutes.

Meet Jana Evanoff

Jana Evanoff is the radiation therapist who delivers GentleCure treatments for Midwest Dermatology patients. She brings more than two decades of experience in radiation oncology and healthcare education to her role and works closely with Midwest Dermatology physicians throughout each patient’s care.

“I’ve always been drawn to radiation therapy because it combines technical precision with ongoing patient relationships,” Jana explains. “With GentleCure, I get to see patients regularly, build trust, ease anxiety through conversation and humor, and help them feel confident in their treatment choice.”

Patients often comment on Jana’s calm presence and the time she takes to explain what’s happening and why. That steady reassurance is a key part of the GentleCure experience.

When GentleCure May Be a Good Fit

In our practice, GentleCure is often considered for non-melanoma skin cancers located on the face, ears, nose, lips, scalp, or lower legs — areas where surgery may be more complex or cosmetically concerning. It can also be a good option for patients with healing concerns, certain medical conditions, or those who prefer to avoid surgery when possible.

“One of the things I really appreciate about GentleCure is that it gives patients a choice,” Jana says. “They can be part of the decision-making process and choose a treatment that fits their health, their lifestyle, and their comfort level.”

What Treatment Looks Like Day to Day

Most patients complete a series of treatments — often around 20 visits — scheduled three or four days per week. Each appointment lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, and the schedule is created collaboratively by the patient and therapist to fit work, family, and daily routines.

“I always tell patients that this is meant to fit into their life,” Jana shares. “We work together to create a schedule that makes sense for them.”

There are no daily activity restrictions, and many patients continue working, running errands, and staying active throughout treatment.

Addressing Common Concerns About Radiation

It’s completely normal for patients to feel uneasy when they hear the word radiation. GentleCure uses low-energy radiation designed specifically for superficial skin cancers, and multiple layers of shielding and protection are used during each treatment.

“Once patients see how the treatment works and how carefully it’s delivered, a lot of that initial fear fades,” Jana explains. “Most people are surprised by how comfortable and straightforward the process is.”

Healing and Cosmetic Outcomes

As treatment progresses, patients may experience temporary skin changes such as redness, dryness, or irritation in the treated area. These effects typically improve in the weeks following completion of therapy.

Over time, the treated skin may look or feel slightly different than the surrounding area. GentleCure avoids surgical incisions and sutures, which helps preserve natural contours and function — especially in sensitive or highly visible areas.

“For many patients, that balance — effective cancer treatment without surgery — is what feels right for them,” Jana says.

 More Options Lead to Better Care

GentleCure expands how Midwest Dermatology cares for patients with skin cancer by allowing providers to tailor treatment to both medical needs and personal preferences. Surgery remains an important and effective option, but it isn’t the only one worth discussing.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer and want to learn whether a non-surgical option like GentleCure may be right for you, talk with your Midwest Dermatology physician.

And if worry about surgery has kept you from scheduling a skin exam, knowing that additional treatment options exist may offer some peace of mind.

To schedule an appointment, call us at (402) 933-0800 in Omaha or (402) 371-3564 in Norfolk, or book online at midwestderm.com.