|
 To prevent or halt the spread of disease, radiotherapy may be recommended as part of a treatment plan that often combines surgery and/or chemotherapy. Treatment with radiation targets and destroys cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Radiation may also be used alone to spare the patient from extensive surgery and possible disfigurement. It can help shrink tumors prior to surgery, manage pain or relieve other symptoms related to cancer, and prevent recurrence of disease. Patients may also need chemotherapy to make certain tumors more sensitive to the effects of radiation.
Your radiation treatment plan is carefully designed, coordinated, and monitored by the radiation team, including your radiation oncologist, physicist, dosimetrist, and therapist.
Before treatment begins, computers are used to simulate and match the exact angles and position of the radiation beam against the skin. Tiny dye marks may be placed on your skin so that the beam can be targeted at the same spot during each treatment session. Be careful not to scrub off the marks during bathing or showering. To help you remain still and in the proper position during treatment, it may be necessary to use a cast, mold or headrest that is custom made for you by the therapist. Each individual radiotherapy session lasts only a few minutes. The frequency and duration of treatment varies, depending upon the type and location of the tumor.
While treatments are painless, you may experience some skin irritation at the site of the beam. Also, many patients have some level of fatigue. Other side effects depend on the area receiving the radiation. Be sure to report any unusual symptoms to your radiation oncologist.
The equipment used in our radiotherapy centers reflects the latest clinical advancements in precision instrumentation. Linear accelerators and computer planning allow high doses of radiation to be given to defined areas while limiting the dose to normal tissues.
Radiation treatment is available in our West and Northeast Centers. If you would like more information, please speak to your physician and ask your nurse or therapist for brochures on radiotherapy.
|
