Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is the use of high-dose X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) or from the placement of thin plastic tubes containing radiation (radioisotopes) into the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy, or brachytherapy).

Radiation therapy is standard treatment for many types of cancer. It may be used in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, or hormonal therapy.

 
 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.

Health Information Library