Radiation Therapy is a type of medical treatment used for cancer and benign (non-cancerous) tumors to shrink, destroy or halt the growth of these tumors. This is possible, since in high doses, radiation inhibits cells from multiplying. Some forms of radiation therapy can be used to treat benign conditions such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), trigeminal neuralgia, keloids, etc.
Radiation therapy has the ability to destroy cancer cells, but can also harm healthy cells. Normal cells damaged from radiation can cause side effects, but most normal cells are able to recover.
Photon Therapy
Photons can be used in many different types of radiation treatment. Photon beams are electromagnetic radiation beams. These photons could be light, x-rays, gamma radiation or microwaves. In radiation therapy higher energy photon beams are used.
Radiation Treatment Terms
Simulation A radiation therapy simulation is the preparatory appointment for most external beam radiation treatments. During this appointment the patient is placed on a simulation table, any necessary immobilization devices are created and scans are taken, sometimes these are simple x-rays or a CT or MRI scan. Often treatment tattoos are placed to indicate where the treatment beams are to aimed. This appointment is usually an hour or less for a single treatment site.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/radiation-therapy/CA00075<ref>
Treatment Planning Radiation therapy treatment planning typically occurs after the simulation. The radiation oncologists, dosimetrists, and/or physicist use the data gathered during the simulation to create the treatment plan. This can take hours to days depending on the type of treatment to be given and/or the clinical urgency of the treatment prescribed.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please use this page and the links here as a starting point to initiate any appropriate discussion with your doctor. Your doctor is the best source for information about your individual care.
Radiation Therapy Forums and Blogs
- Blog For A Cure: Cancer Radiation Therapy
References
Fast Facts
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Also called
Radiotherapy
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Fact:
Used to fight many types of cancer
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Fact:
Used to treat some noncancerous (benign) tumors or conditions
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Fact:
Medical use of ionizing radiation as part of cancer treatment
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Fact:
Uses beams of high-energy particles or waves
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Forms of Radiation Therapy
External Beam Radiotherapy (EXBRT), Brachytherapy, Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)
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Types of Machines
Linear Accelerator (LinAcc), Gamma Knife, Cyber Knife, Synchrotrons, etc.
