Radiation therapy is treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or electrons to destroy cancer cells. Our radiation oncologists have years of experience safely and effectively treating cancer with radiation. Using the latest technology, we can precisely target tumors and minimize damage to nearby healthy tissue.
Types of radiation therapy
Radiation therapy may provide effective treatment for the type of cancer you have. If so, your doctor will speak with you about the best options.
External radiation uses a machine called a linear accelerator (LINAC) to deliver radiation to an area where cancer cells are found or believed to be at high risk of coming back.
Approaches to radiation therapy for lymphoma
Depending upon your needs, your radiation oncologist may recommend:
- 3D (3-dimensional) conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT)
With this method, 3D images help the doctor better target the tumor. The images are created using a special machine — a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. The radiation beams can be aimed from many different angles to match the exact shape of the cancer. - Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
This method is like the first method, but the doctor can adjust how much radiation you get from each beam. In certain situations, this allows for better avoidance of nearby normal cells, and fewer potential side effects. - Electron therapy: This method uses electrons, which are small negatively charged particles, to treat superficial tumors such as lymphomas of the skin. This may be to only a limited area of the skin where the tumor is, or to the entire skin surface (i.e. Total Skin Electron Beam Therapy or TSEBT).
Possible side effects of radiation therapy
Everyone has a different response to radiation therapy. It may cause short-term side effects during treatment or long-term side effects after treatment ends.
The side effects of treatment depend on the type of radiation you receive, the dose, and your overall health.
No matter what you experience, your care team can help ease the side effects of treatment. At least once a week, your radiation oncology team will meet with you to discuss your progress and any side effects you may have.
Published April 2018
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