Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy can be given inside or outside of your body. The most common kind is external beam radiation therapy. This treatment uses a large machine called a linear accelerator. High-energy beams are aimed from the machine to a precise point on your body. Modern methods of radiation are precise. They aim beams directly at the cancer while protecting healthy tissues from high doses of radiation. But other types of radiation therapy exist, including proton radiation.

Radiation treatment that goes inside the body is called brachytherapy (brak-e-THER-uh-pee). Brachytherapy also is a common cancer treatment. During this therapy, a provider places a small solid implant in or near the cancer.

How radiation therapy is used in people with cancer

Radiation therapy is used to treat just about every type of cancer. In fact, more than half of all people with cancer will receive radiation therapy as part of their treatment.

  • As the only treatment for cancer. This is called the primary treatment.
  • Before surgery, to shrink a cancer. This is called neoadjuvant therapy.
  • After surgery, to stop the growth of any remaining cancer cells. This is called adjuvant therapy.
  • With other treatments, such as chemotherapy, to destroy cancer cells.
  • To relieve symptoms caused by advanced cancer.

How you prepare

Radiation simulation. During simulation, your radiation therapy team will help you find a comfortable position. You must lie still during treatment, so being comfortable is important. To practice, you’ll lie down on the same type of table that will be used during your treatment. Cushions and props will help hold you in the right way so you can be still. You might be fitted for a body mold or mesh face mask to help keep you in place.

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We offer a comprehensive range of medical services across various departments, including Cardiology, Neurology, Urology, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Gynecology, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Oncology, ENT, Dermatology, and additional specialties. Visit our services page for more information.

We offer a comprehensive range of medical services across various departments, including Cardiology, Neurology, Urology, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Gynecology, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Oncology, ENT, Dermatology, and additional specialties. Visit our services page for more information.

We offer a comprehensive range of medical services across various departments, including Cardiology, Neurology, Urology, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Gynecology, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Oncology, ENT, Dermatology, and additional specialties. Visit our services page for more information.

We offer a comprehensive range of medical services across various departments, including Cardiology, Neurology, Urology, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Gynecology, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Oncology, ENT, Dermatology, and additional specialties. Visit our services page for more information.