What is Radiation Therapy
What exactly is Radiation Therapy? Our medical encyclopedia can get you started in your journey to learn more about this procedure. Continue your research by choosing one of the procedure sections to the left.
Alternate Names for Radiation Therapy:
Ionizing radiation
Radiotherapy
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Reasons For
- Complications
- What to Expect
- Results
- When to Call a Doctor
Radiation Therapy Definition
Alternate Names for Radiation Therapy:
Ionizing radiation
Radiotherapy
Definition
Radiation therapy is a treatment of cancer and other diseases. It uses high-energy particles to damage the genetic code (DNA) in the cancer cells. This makes the cells unable to grow or divide.
There are two main types of radiation therapy:
- External -radiation is delivered by a machine that shoots particles at the cells from outside the body
- Internal-radioactive materials are placed in the body near the cancer cells (also called implant radiation or brachytherapy)
In certain cases, your doctor may recommend a combination of these. Radiation is often used with other types of treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy , and immunotherapy (stimulates the immune system to fight infection).
This fact sheet will focus on internal radiation therapy.
Learn
 What to Expect Find out how long it will take, what they will be doing and what to expect afterwards. |
 Results What are the next steps and other possible tests needed after you have received the results. |
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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
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