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Radiation Oncology
Overview
Radiation oncology is a medical speciality that utilises high-energy radiation to treat cancer. Radiation therapy is one of the major modalities of cancer treatment, and radiation oncologists are responsible for planning and administering the radiation therapy. Radiation oncologists work closely with other medical professionals, such as radiation therapists and medical physicists, to determine the appropriate type and dosage of radiation therapy for each patient.
The goal of radiation therapy is to target and destroy cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. Over time, the damaged cancer cells die off, and the body naturally eliminates them.
It can be used alone or in combination with other treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy or surgery. The specific treatment plan depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as other factors such as the patient's overall health.
Radiation Therapy at Max Hospital
At Max Hospital, we understand that receiving a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. That's why our Radiation Oncology department is committed to providing quality care to our patients while also offering the latest advancements in radiation technology. Our team of expert radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapists work together to create personalised treatment plans that are tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Max Hospitals offer various types of radiation therapy, including:
- External beam radiation therapy: This involves the use of a machine that directs high-energy radiation beams at the cancer cells from outside the body.
- Brachytherapy: This involves the placement of radioactive sources directly into or near the tumour, either temporarily or permanently.
- Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT): This involves delivering high doses of radiation to small, well-defined tumours in the body using precise imaging techniques.
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): This involves the use of computer-controlled radiation beams that are shaped to match the size and shape of the tumour, allowing for more targeted and precise radiation delivery.
The radiation oncology department at Max Hospital also offers a range of supportive services, including counselling, nutritional support, and pain management, to help cancer patients cope with their treatment and improve their quality of life.
Diseases that Radiation Oncologists treat:
Radiation oncologists treat all types of cancer as per the need of the situation. A few such cancers include:
- Head and neck cancers
- Breast cancer
- Cervical Cancers
- Brain tumour
- Spinal cord tumours
- Prostate cancer
- Lung cancer
- Lymphoma
- Liver cancer
- Paranasal sinus cancer
- Bone cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Sarcomas
- Leukaemia
- Rectal cancers
Radiation oncologists are also involved in the treatment of conditions other than cancer, including:
- Arteriovenous malformations
- Acoustic neuroma
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Hypertrophied scars
- Some benign bone conditions
When to see a Radiation Oncologist?
You can visit a radiation oncologist if you suspect to have any signs or symptoms, which can be due to cancer, as mentioned above. The radiation oncologist, in collaboration with other specialists as and when needed, can help you reach a final diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan for you.
Along with that, a radiation oncologist can also help you in the following situation:
- Cancer screening: By ordering some simple tests, a few cancers can be detected even before they produce any signs or symptoms.
- Genetic counselling and cancer risk assessment: Whether you have a higher risk of developing cancer compared to the general population based on your family history and other risk factors.
- To ease cancer symptoms: Often, doctors cannot eliminate cancer cells completely but can provide symptomatic relief. This approach is termed palliative care; it helps relieve symptoms of advanced stages of cancer. For instance, if the tumour compresses a nerve or bone, patients may feel pain. This condition may need palliative radiation to provide relief.
What to Expect During Radiation Treatment
You can expect the following things during radiation therapy:
Consultation: Before starting the treatment, you will have a consultation with your doctor to discuss the treatment plan and any potential side effects.
Simulation: A simulation appointment is scheduled to plan the exact location and dosage of the radiation. This will include CT scans, X-rays, and possibly MRI scans.
Treatment sessions: The treatment sessions are scheduled daily or on alternate days or twice weekly or even weekly basis, depending on the type of cancer and the treatment plan. Each session lasts about 15-30 minutes, but the actual radiation is given for only a few minutes.
Preparation: Before each session, you will need to change into a gown and remove any metal jewellery or clothing. You may also need to have a full bladder or empty bladder, depending on the location of the cancer.
Radiation delivery: During the treatment, you will lie on a table while the machine delivers the radiation to the targeted area. You will be alone in the room during the treatment, but the therapist will be able to see and hear you through a monitor.
Follow-up appointments: After completing radiation therapy, you will have follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and discuss any ongoing side effects.
Overall, radiation therapy is a well-tolerated treatment, but it is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and are in need of radiation therapy, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our radiation oncologists. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your journey to recovery.
Our Medical Experts
Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
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