Radiation oncology, also known as radiation therapy, is a medical specialty that uses high-energy radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. Radiation therapy is an important part of cancer treatment and can be used to cure cancer, control its growth or relieve symptoms such as pain. In this article, we will discuss the basics of radiation oncology and how it is used to treat cancer.

How Radiation Oncology Works?

Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA in cancer cells, which prevents them from dividing and growing. Healthy cells are also affected by radiation, but they are able to repair the damage more effectively than cancer cells. Radiation therapy is given in a controlled manner to minimize the damage to healthy tissue.

Radiation therapy can be delivered in two main ways: external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy. External beam radiation therapy is delivered from a machine outside the body, while internal radiation therapy involves placing a radioactive source inside the body close to the cancer.

Radiation Oncology Treatment Planning

Before radiation therapy, Radiation Oncologist in Ahmedabad, medical physicists, and dosimetrists work together to develop a treatment plan tailored to the individual patient's needs. The planning process involves using imaging techniques such as CT scans or MRI to identify the location and size of the tumor, as well as surrounding normal tissues that should be avoided.

The team then uses sophisticated computer programs to calculate the amount and direction of radiation that is needed to target the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding normal tissue. This process is known as treatment planning, and it ensures that the patient receives the most effective and safe radiation dose.

Types of Radiation Oncology

There are different types of radiation therapy, including:

External beam radiation therapy: This is the most common type of radiation therapy, which involves delivering radiation from a machine outside the body to the tumor.

Internal radiation therapy: Also known as brachytherapy, internal radiation therapy involves placing a radioactive source inside the body close to the cancer. The radiation is delivered over a short distance, which reduces the damage to surrounding normal tissue.

Systemic radiation therapy: This type of radiation therapy involves delivering radioactive substances throughout the body, typically through an injection or pill. This treatment is used for certain types of cancer, such as thyroid cancer.

Side Effects of Radiation Oncology

Radiation therapy can cause side effects, which can range from mild to severe. The severity of side effects depends on the type of radiation therapy and the patient's overall health. Common side effects of radiation therapy include fatigue, skin irritation, and nausea. In some cases, radiation therapy can cause long-term side effects, such as damage to healthy tissue or an increased risk of developing second cancer.

Conclusion

Radiation oncology is an important treatment option for cancer patients. It is a highly effective and safe treatment that can be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy. With advances in technology and treatment planning, radiation therapy is becoming more precise and effective, which improves the outcomes for patients with cancer. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, it is important to talk to your Radiation Oncologist in Ahmedabad about all of your treatment options, including radiation oncology.