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Radiation oncology

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is an important treatment used for many types of cancer.

It uses carefully targeted high-energy radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells, helping to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. Depending on the type, stage and location of the cancer, radiation therapy may be used to:

For patients considering radiation therapy in Chh. Sambhajinagar, a radiation oncologist evaluates the patient’s diagnosis, medical history and treatment needs before developing an individualized treatment plan. The radiation oncologist will discuss the expected benefits, possible side effects, treatment duration and other available treatment options with the patient.

What Is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy ionizing radiation to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. Depending on the treatment, radiation may include X-rays, gamma rays, high-energy electrons, or other high-energy particles. Radiation can damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing or causing them to die over time. Radiation therapy may be delivered using a machine outside the body or by placing a radioactive source inside or near the tumour. Some systemic radiation treatments use radioactive substances that travel through the bloodstream to target specific cancer cells or tissues.

Types of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy treatment of cancer that uses high-energy radiation to damage or destroy cancer cells. It can be delivered from a machine outside the body or from a radioactive source placed inside the body or administered as a radioactive substance. There are two broad categories of radiation therapy:

External beam radiation therapy (teletherapy) treats tumours using radiation beams from a machine outside the patient’s body. The beams are carefully planned and directed toward the tumour while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. Common techniques include 3D-CRT, which shapes beams according to the treatment area IMRT, which adjusts beam intensity for precise dosing and IGRT, which uses imaging to improve patient positioning and treatment accuracy. SRS delivers highly focused, high-dose radiation mainly for selected brain tumours without surgery. SBRT provides precise, high-dose radiation to selected tumours outside the brain in fewer sessions. Technique selection depends on tumour characteristics and location.

Internal radiation therapy treats cancer by placing a radioactive source inside the body or administering a radioactive substance. Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy in which a sealed radioactive source is placed inside or near the tumour or area at risk.

It can deliver a high radiation dose directly to the treatment area while reducing exposure to nearby healthy tissues. Depending on the cancer and treatment plan, radioactive sources may be delivered using seeds, capsules, wires, ribbons, catheters, or specialised applicators. Brachytherapy is used for selected cancers, including those of the cervix, prostate, breast, head and neck and eye.

Systemic radionuclide therapy uses a radioactive substance that travels through the bloodstream to reach specific tissues or cancer cells. It may be administered orally or through an intravenous (IV) injection or infusion.

Some treatments are designed to target cells or tissues that absorb or bind to the radioactive substance, delivering radiation from within the body. Examples include radioactive iodine (I-131) for certain thyroid conditions and selected thyroid cancers and targeted radionuclide therapies for certain cancers. Unlike brachytherapy, where a radioactive source is placed in or near the treatment area, systemic radionuclide therapy delivers the radioactive substance throughout the body to reach its target.

Common Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is carefully planned to treat cancer while limiting exposure to healthy tissues. However, side effects can occur and vary depending on the treatment area, radiation dose, technique and other treatments.

Side Effects by Treatment Area

Some side effects may develop during treatment, while others can occur later. Contact your radiation oncology team for severe or persistent symptoms, breathing difficulties, inability to eat or drink, fever, severe skin reactions, difficulty urinating or new neurological symptoms. Do not stop treatment or self-treat significant side effects without medical advice.

Radiation Therapy Treatment in Chh. Sambhajinagar

If you are looking for radiation therapy treatment in Chh. Sambhajinagar, the first step is a consultation with a radiation oncologist. The doctor will review your diagnosis, cancer stage, medical history and previous treatment to determine whether radiation therapy is suitable for you.

Depending on the type and stage of cancer and the treatment goals, radiation therapy may include external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy or other specialised radiation techniques.

At Karnawat Cancer Hospital in Chh. Sambhajinagar, the oncology team develops an individualised treatment plan based on each patient’s diagnosis, treatment goals and overall health.

For your consultation, bring relevant medical records, including biopsy or pathology reports, scan reports and details of any previous cancer treatment.

Karnawat Cancer Hospital in Sambhajinagar

At Karnawat Cancer Hospital in Chh. Sambhajinagar, patients can consult specialists to understand suitable Radiation Therapy Treatment in Sambhajinagar. Treatment for cancer is planned based on the cancer type, stage, tumour location and overall health. If you are looking for a Cancer specialist in Chh. Sambhajinagar, the team can help you understand your diagnosis, treatment goals and available radiation therapy treatment for cancer options.

Frequently asked questions

Radiation therapy for cancer uses high-energy radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells. It can be used to treat cancer, reduce the risk of recurrence, control tumour growth or relieve symptoms caused by cancer.

Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation from sources such as X-rays or other types of radiation. It may be delivered from outside the body or from radioactive material placed inside the body.

Radiation damages the DNA of cancer cells. When the damage is too severe to repair, cancer cells stop dividing or die. The effects can continue for weeks or months after treatment ends.

The two broad types are external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy. External beam treatment includes techniques such as 3D conformal radiation therapy, IMRT, IGRT, SRS and SBRT. Internal radiation therapy includes brachytherapy and selected systemic radiation treatments.

Teletherapy refers to external beam radiation therapy in which radiation is delivered from a machine outside the body and directed toward the tumour or treatment area. It is one of the main ways radiation therapy is delivered.

Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy in which a radioactive source is placed inside the body, in or near the tumour. It is used for selected cancers depending on the tumour location and treatment plan.

Side effects vary according to the body area being treated, radiation dose, treatment technique and other treatments. Fatigue, skin changes, hair loss in the treated area, nausea and changes affecting the treated body part are among the possible side effects.

Side effects are managed according to the treatment area and individual symptoms. Following your radiation team’s skin-care, nutrition and medication instructions, maintaining adequate nutrition and reporting troublesome symptoms early can help with symptom management.

Do not use creams, supplements or other remedies on the treatment area without discussing them with your oncology team.

The delivery of external beam radiation therapy is generally painless. However, side effects may develop during or after treatment depending on the body area being treated.

The number of sessions varies from patient to patient. Some treatment plans require several weeks of treatment, while others use fewer sessions. The schedule is determined by the cancer type, treatment goal, radiation technique and prescribed dose.

Radiation therapy can cure some cancers and can also be used to reduce recurrence risk, control cancer or relieve symptoms. Whether it can be used with curative intent depends on the individual cancer, its stage and the overall treatment plan.

Yes. Radiation therapy is sometimes combined with chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. The combination and timing depend on the type and stage of cancer and the treatment goal.

Radiation therapy is carefully planned to deliver the prescribed dose to the treatment area while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. However, side effects can occur because healthy cells may also be affected.

You should consult a radiation oncologist if radiation therapy has been recommended for your cancer, if you want to understand whether radiation could be part of your treatment plan or if you have questions about the benefits, risks and expected side effects of radiation treatment.

This page is for general information and does not replace a consultation. Treatment is decided by your oncologist after reviewing your reports.

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