Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy: A Vital Approach to Cancer Care
By Synovia Health

Radiation treatment is one of the most effective methods for treating cancer. It uses high-energy radiation to target and eliminate cancer cells, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Synovia Health is proud to offer advanced radiation treatment options, customized to meet the unique needs of each patient. Whether used alone or in combination with other therapies like surgery or chemotherapy, radiation treatment plays a key role in cancer care.

What Is Radiation Treatment?

Radiation treatment involves the use of focused high-energy radiation to destroy or damage cancer cells. The treatment works by making it difficult for cancer cells to continue growing and dividing. Over time, this can lead to the death of the cancer cells. Radiation treatment can be used to shrink tumors before surgery, eliminate remaining cancer cells after surgery, or help relieve symptoms in advanced cancer cases.

Types of Radiation Treatment

There are several types of radiation treatment, each tailored to meet the specific needs of the patient:

1. External Beam Radiation Therapy

External beam radiation treatment is the most common form of radiation treatment. It involves directing high-energy radiation beams from outside the body toward the cancerous area. Synovia Health uses advanced imaging techniques to precisely target the tumor, ensuring minimal exposure to healthy tissues.

2. Internal Radiation Treatment (Brachytherapy)

In internal radiation treatment, radioactive material is placed directly inside or very close to the tumor. This allows doctors to deliver higher doses of radiation to the cancer cells while limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This method is often used for cancers of the prostate, cervix, and certain head and neck cancers.

3. Stereotactic Radiation Treatment

Stereotactic radiation treatment is a highly precise method of delivering high doses of radiation to a small tumor. This treatment is often used for tumors in hard-to-reach areas or for patients who cannot undergo surgery. It involves the use of 3D imaging to guide the radiation beams and is sometimes referred to as stereotactic radiosurgery.

4. Proton Therapy

Proton therapy is a specialized form of radiation treatment that uses protons instead of X-rays to target cancer cells. Proton therapy allows for more precise radiation delivery with less damage to healthy tissue. It is particularly beneficial for tumors near critical structures or in pediatric patients, where minimizing radiation exposure is crucial.

How Does Radiation Treatment Work?

Radiation treatment works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells, making it impossible for the cells to grow and divide. While healthy cells can recover from the effects of radiation, cancer cells are less able to repair the damage. Over time, this leads to the death of the cancer cells, helping to shrink the tumor or eliminate it entirely.

When Is Radiation Therapy Used?

Radiation treatment is often used in a variety of situations, including:

• Curative treatment: Radiation treatment can be used to treat some cancers by itself, or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy, to remove or shrink tumors.

• Palliative treatment: For patients with advanced cancer, radiation treatment can help relieve pain and other symptoms by shrinking tumors or alleviating pressure on nearby organs.

• Adjuvant treatment: After surgery, radiation treatment may be used to target any remaining cancer cells that were not removed during the procedure.

• Neoadjuvant treatment: Radiation Therapy can be used before surgery to shrink a tumor, making it easier to remove.

Benefits of Radiation Therapy

There are numerous benefits to undergoing radiation treatment, including:

• Precision: The ability to target tumors precisely allows for better outcomes and minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

• Reduced Side Effects: Since the radiation is focused directly on the tumor, there are fewer side effects compared to treatments like chemotherapy.

• Effective for Various Cancers: Radiation Therapy is effective for many types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, and head and neck cancers.

• Short Treatment Time: Treatment sessions for radiation treatment are typically short, with most lasting only a few minutes, and can often be scheduled around a patient’s lifestyle.

Side Effects of Radiation Treatment

While radiation treatment is an effective therapy, it can have some side effects. The side effects depend on the area being treated, the type of radiation used, and the patient’s overall health. Common side effects include:

• Fatigue

• Skin irritation at the site of treatment

• Hair loss in the area being treated

• Nausea or changes in appetite, especially for abdominal cancers

• Difficulty swallowing or sore throat, depending on the area treated

Why Choose Synovia Health for Radiation Therapy?

At Synovia Health, we are committed to providing the highest quality Radiation Therapy to our patients. With our team of skilled oncologists and state-of-the-art technology, we offer personalized treatment plans designed to maximize the effectiveness of the therapy while minimizing side effects. If you or a loved one is seeking Radiation Therapy, contact Synovia Health today to learn more about how we can help you in your journey toward recovery.