What is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy is the careful use of high energy x-rays, Electrons and other sources of radiation in the treatment of cancer and occasionally benign diseases. There are many types of cancer and they behave in different ways. Because of these differences, there are many methods of treatments. A radiation oncologist is a physician specializing in the use of radiation to treat cancer. He may use radiation to shrink or destroy a tumor. Radiation therapy is one the three major methods available to treat cancer. It can be used alone, or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.

Types of Radiation Therapy Equipment

CT Simulator

The CT simulator is utilized to ensure the accurate mapping of the treatment area. The CT simulator creates 3D images that are used to precisely outline the tumor volumes so that your therapy team can meticulously plan a course of treatment, tailored specifically to your anatomy. Because radiation affects normal cells as well tumor cells, your treatment team carefully maps the area minimize damage to normal tissue.

Linear Accelerators

External Radiation treatments are delivered using Linear Accelerators. These machines utilize X-Rays to allow radiation to be delivered accurately and painlessly to the treatment areas.

High Dose Rate Afterloader

External Radiation or Brachytherapy is delivered near or directly into a tumor using a High Dose Rate Afterloader.

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