Radiation Oncology

Introduction

Radiation Oncology is a particular kind of treatment for cancer which involves the use of ionizing radiation to control the growth of malignant cells. It is also used as a palliative care where cure is not possible but is done to arrest the local disease and for symptomatic relief. Mostly used as a primary therapy to cure cancer, it is commonly combined with surgery, chemotherapy or hormone manipulation.

The amount of radiation used in radiation therapy is measured in grays and varies depending on the type and stage of cancer.

The three main types of radiotherapy are External Beam Radiotherapy, Teletherapy and Unsealed Source Radiotherapy.

Procedure

The Radiation Therapy destroys the DNA of cells by a photon, electron or proton beam allowing a direct or indirect ionization of atoms that make the DNA.

Side Effects

The side effects of Radiation Oncology are

  -   Severe damage to epithelial surfaces
  -   Swelling
  -   Infertility
  -   Fatigue
  -   Fibrosis
  -   Hair loss
  -   Dryness

Facilities available Hospitals

Radiation Oncology department, Chennai, has two Linear Accelerators for External Beam Radiotherapy. Multi Leaf Collimators (MLC) with Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) is the latest developments for improvements in accuracy and precision, resulting in optimum radiation.

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