What to expect from radiotherapy for squamous cell skin cancer

Radiotherapy can be considered when surgery is not suitable, when the cancer is close to important structures, or when treatment is needed around an operation. A planning appointment identifies the lesion and a margin of nearby tissue. You may receive a small mark or positioning aid so each visit treats the same area accurately.

You sit or lie still while the machine delivers radiation. The beam is not felt, and you are not radioactive afterwards. Skin changes often appear gradually: redness or darkening, dryness, peeling, soreness, or a moist surface can develop in the treated field. Hair in that area may thin or change. Fatigue is also possible, especially as visits accumulate.

Wash gently with lukewarm water, pat dry, and use only the cleanser, moisturiser, or dressing recommended by your team. Do not scrub, shave over, scratch, or apply perfume, deodorant, or unapproved creams to the treatment field. Shield the area from sun and avoid adhesive products unless your clinician says they are suitable.

Choose soft, loose clothing and plan rest if tiredness affects your routine. Keep appointments and show the team any change in the skin rather than waiting for it to become severe. If the treated area is near the eye, nose, mouth, or ear, ask for specific instructions because those areas need tailored care.

Call your care team if the skin opens, bleeds, becomes increasingly wet or painful, or develops spreading redness. Seek urgent care for swelling that affects breathing or vision, heavy bleeding, sudden confusion, or a high temperature with marked illness. Use the out-of-hours number supplied by your centre when the clinic is closed.

Ask how the treatment field will be protected, when skin changes are expected, which products are safe, and whether a dressing is needed. Ask how treatment near an eye or mouth may affect normal function, how to manage fatigue, and which symptoms should be reported the same day.