Reasons for Radiation Therapy

When your doctor informs you that you need the Radiation Therapy procedure performed it can be scary. Learn exactly what the procedure involves, the reasons it needs to be performed and what the next steps could be.

Why Radiation Therapy is Performed


Alternate Names for Radiation Therapy:
Ionizing radiation
Radiotherapy

Reasons for Procedure
  • Control the growth or spread of cancer
  • Attempt to cure cancer
  • Reduce pain or other symptoms caused by cancer (This is called palliative radiation.)

Radiation therapy is commonly used to treat solid tumors such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and head and neck cancers




Learn

Learn what Radiation Therapy is
What Is
Learn what the procedure is. Find out how it is performed.
Reasons For Radiation Therapy
Reasons For
Find out why and when this procedure should be done.
Radiation Therapy Complications
Complications
Learn about possible complications and what might increase the risk of them.
Radiation Therapy Details
What to Expect
Find out how long it will take, what they will be doing and what to expect afterwards.
Radiation Therapy Results
Results
What are the next steps and other possible tests needed after you have received the results.
When to Contact Doctor about Radiation Therapy
Call Your Doctor
What to look out for and when to call your doctor after a procedure has been done.

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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright ©2013 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved. Source: EBSCO