What is Radiation Therapy?
According to the National Institute of Health, radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that utilizes high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and stop them from spreading.
Approximately, half of all cancer patients receive it. Radiation may be delivered externally utilizing IMRT, SRS or SBRT or internally utilizing radioactive substances that your surgeon places inside your body.
Different Factors That Affect What Type of Radiation Therapy You Receive
- How close the cancer is to normal tissues that are sensitive to radiation
- How far into the body the radiation needs to travel
- Location of cancer in the body
- Other medical conditions
- Size of the cancer
- Type of cancer
- Whether you will have other types of cancer treatment
- Your age
- Your overall health and medical history
Radiation therapy can damage normal cells as well as cancer cells. Treatment must be carefully planned to minimize side effects. Common side effects include skin changes and fatigue. Other side effects depend on the part of your body being treated.
Radiation Therapy Options
- 3-D, IMRT, and Stereotactic Treatment Planning
- External Beam Radiation (EBRT)
- Image-Guided Motion Management (IGRT)
- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS and SRT)
Today’s technology for treatment planning can include the latest 256 Slice CT for Advanced Treatment Planning to the 64 slice released earlier on.
FIND A TOP10MD ONCOLOGIST NEAR YOU
There are hundreds of Oncologists practicing Radiation and Medical Oncology to choose from; however, not all doctors are created equal. Radiation and Medical Oncology takes the skill and finesse of an experienced Oncologist. That’s why we’ve selected your city’s best Oncologists – to make the decision process easier for you and your family.
For your peace of mind, Top10MD Oncologists’ credentials are validated yearly to verify medical licenses have no serious patient care sanctions, current Board Certifications in their given medical specialty, current DEA & DPS licenses, and malpractice insurance. A Top10MD has at least 5+ years experience or has performed 300+ procedures in their given specialty and a current Patient Satisfaction Score of 8.5 or higher.