Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy waves to kill malignant cells and shrink tumors. There are different ways we can target the tumor. The location of the tumor and the type of cancer will help us determine which option is right for you.

We offer the following radiation therapy procedures:

• 3D high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy — This form of radiation therapy uses a radioactive seed that is placed inside a catheter. The catheter is directed within or adjacent to the tumor tissue. It is used to perform partial breast irradiation, a five-day targeted therapy for breast cancer, and is used to treat gynecological cancers.
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) — This radiation treatment uses external beam radiotherapy to deliver more precisely targeted radiation beams to tumors. It also spares surrounding healthy organs and tissues.
• Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) — This treatment uses image guidance, such as X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) scans, to verify a tumor's location before radiation therapy. It is often used in combination with IMRT for extreme precision and a faster treatment time.
• Robotic radiosurgery — This noninvasive procedure uses advanced technology to deliver radiation treatment to tumors anywhere in the body with pinpoint accuracy.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery — This radiation treatment is used to destroy a targeted tumor. It uses an external beam radiation source to deliver small beams directly to the target site. It does not affect any adjacent structures in the body.

Our hospital is accredited by the American College of Radiology for excellence in radiation oncology services.

You can expect to receive treatment for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, although additional time may be needed due to repositioning. Radiation therapy is not painful, but if you have a pre-existing conditions, such as back pain, you may experience physical discomfort from lying in a certain position on the therapy table.

You will undergo treatment every weekday, typically for five to nine weeks. There is a good chance you will able to continue working and driving during this time period. Radiation does not cause hair loss unless it is targeted on an area of the body that grows hair, such as the scalp. There are no dangers or restrictions on being around other people, such as family and children, during treatment.

Before radiation treatment begins, you will attend an initial consultation with our radiation oncologist. Before this consultation, you should prepare a list of questions and consider bringing along a support person. This first meeting takes about an hour and a half. A nurse will check the your vitals signs and review your paperwork.

The doctor will examine the affected area and plan for a CT simulation to be done prior to beginning therapy. CT simulation uses X-rays to create a visual display of a tumor. This is beneficial when you are receiving targeted treatments and helps to spare surrounding healthy tissue.

Radiation therapy typically begins one and a half to two weeks after the initial consultation and CT simulation. This allows ample time for treatment planning. The day before treatment begins, additional X-rays will be taken to ensure everything is aligned for treatment.

Radiation oncology offers many benefits over other types of cancer treatments in that it:

• Can be used for any part of the body
• Can reduce the size of a tumor so it can be removed surgically
• Is a localized treatment, which helps if you cannot be treated with surgery or chemotherapy alone

Radiation therapy is not painful and does not cause hair loss (except when applied somewhere that grows hair, such as the scalp). The most common side effects are fatigue and skin changes. However, your reactions will be unique to you, and symptoms will depend on the site receiving treatment. We can provide you with options to help you manage these side effects, as well as provide emotional support while you navigate cancer treatment.

Fighting cancer takes a team

HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare — a leading provider of cancer care and research — we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (844) 482-4812.