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Therapeutic Radiology (Radiation Oncology)

Therapeutic Radiology (Radiation Oncology)

Therapeutic radiology (also called radiation oncology) is the treatment of cancer and other diseases with radiation. High energy x-rays are used to kill the cancer cells by preventing them from multiplying. Therapeutic radiology may be used to cure or control cancer, or to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with cancer.

The level of radiation will be determined by the radiation oncologist based on the type of cancer, location of the tumor, and sensitivity of the surrounding tissue.

Although each hospital may have specific protocols in place, generally, radiation oncology procedures follow this process:

  • simulation
    To help set up the actual treatment, the treatment team first "maps" out the position the patient will be in for each treatment with the aid of molds, headrests, or other devices. Sometimes, the area on the body to be treated will be marked to ensure the radiation will be given in the exact area. In addition, special shields may be made to help focus the radiation and protect surrounding tissue.
  • treatment plan
    Once the simulation has taken place, the radiation oncologist will determine the exact type of treatment.

Listed in the directory below are some of the more common therapeutic radiology procedures, for which we have provided a brief overview.

If you cannot find the information in which you are interested, please visit the Radiology Online Resources page in this web site for an Internet/World Wide Web address that may contain additional information on that topic.

External Beam Therapy

Brachytherapy

Promising New Therapies