Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Radiation Oncology

Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that involves the use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer. Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, uses beams of radiation to kill cancer cells, shrink tumors, and alleviate symptoms caused by cancer.

Radiation therapy is typically delivered using a machine called a linear accelerator, which directs beams of radiation at the tumor from various angles. The treatment is usually given on an outpatient basis, with patients receiving a series of treatments over several weeks.

Radiation oncologists are specialized physicians who are trained to design and deliver radiation therapy to cancer patients. They work closely with other cancer specialists, such as medical oncologists and surgeons, to develop and coordinate the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual patient.

Radiation therapy is used to treat a wide range of cancers, including:

Head and neck cancers

Lung cancer

Prostate cancer

Breast cancer

Brain cancer

Gynecologic cancers

Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy. It’s an important tool in cancer treatment and it can help to control and sometimes even cure the disease.

It’s important to note that radiation therapy can have side effects depending on the location of the tumor and the dose of radiation used.