Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, uses radiation to treat diseases like cancer. Radiation therapy can:

• Reduce the size of a tumor before your surgeon removes it
• Kill any remaining tumor cells following surgery
• Shrink a tumor that is causing symptoms like pain

Unlike chemotherapy, which affects your whole body, radiation therapy is a localized treatment — it only affects the area where the cancer is.

Although it's an important component in treating many types of cancers, your doctor may also recommend radiation therapy to treat conditions of the head and brain, such as facial pain or non-cancerous brain lesions.

Types of radiation therapy

At Tanner Cancer Care, our radiation oncologists deliver radiation therapies to treat cancer in one of two ways: internally or externally.

Our radiation therapy technology

Effective radiation therapy targets diseased tissue and preserves healthy tissue with as much precision as possible. The latest advancements in radiation therapy technologies provide exceptional precision for effective treatment and greater comfort.

Some types of radiation therapy use state-of-the-art computers along with CT scans or other diagnostic imaging technology to digitally create 3-D images of your tumor. Your radiation oncologist can then precisely shape and direct the radiation beams to the specific size and contour of your tumor.

Other types of technology tell your doctor your tumor's exact location in three-dimensional space. These advances mean you get radiation focused only where you need it — on your tumor — while minimizing harm to nearby healthy tissue. They also allow radiation oncologists to deliver radiation therapy more quickly.

Tanner radiation innovation for breast cancer offers heart protection

A recent innovation – deep inspiration breath hold – introduced earlier this year at Tanner's Roy Richards, Sr. Cancer Center, protects women from a potential side effect of their life-saving radiation treatments: heart damage. Watch this video to learn how the innovation works.

Specialized radiation therapy

For patients with certain types of cancer, Tanner Health offers additional specialized radiation therapy options.

• MammoSite RTS: This therapy delivers radiation from inside the space from which a breast cancer tumor was removed during a lumpectomy, reducing the likelihood that the cancer will return.
• Prostate Seed Implant: For some men, this therapy has cure rates comparable to surgical removal of the prostate with fewer side effects. It uses radioactive seeds inserted directly into the prostate to kill prostate cancer cells.

Many patients undergo radiation therapy as part of their overall treatment for cancer. Talk to your doctor about which type of radiation therapy makes sense for you, or learn more about  cancer treatments at Tanner.

Radiation Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

What is the success rate of radiation therapy?
The success rate of radiation therapy varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, but it is often a highly effective treatment option. Consult your doctor for more detailed information regarding your specific case.

How painful is radiation therapy?
Most patients do not experience pain during radiation therapy sessions, but some may experience radiation side effects like skin irritation or fatigue.

How will I feel after five sessions of radiotherapy?
After five sessions of radiotherapy, you might experienceside effects such as fatigue or skin changes. It's important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

How many rounds of radiation are normal?
The number of radiation therapy sessions varies based on the treatment plan your doctor recommends. It can range from a few sessions to several weeks of daily treatments.

Does radiation cause teeth to fall out?
Radiation therapy to the head or neck area can affect dental health, but it does not directly cause teeth to fall out. Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are essential during treatment.