What is Radiation Oncology?

Radiation oncology is one of the most commonly used and successful cancer treatments available to patients with various types of the disease. However, at Cochise Oncology, we appreciate the need to match patients to the right radiation treatment for their unique circumstances and subsequently provide several solutions.

About Radiation Oncology

Radiation oncology, otherwise known as radiation therapy or radiation treatment, is a procedure that is defined by the use of controlled radiation exposure to help kill cancer cells. It is used in 40% of successful cancer cure treatments while it can also be used for pain relief or to combat side symptoms caused by cancer.

This type of cancer treatment may be used as a standalone solution or in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy, and other procedures. Due to the use of radiation, only a professional team of radiation oncologists and therapists should complete the processes.

Types of Radiation Oncology

The term radiation oncology actually covers a variety of treatments that use controlled bursts of radiation to fight cancer cells. Cochise Oncology provides patients in Sierra Vista and the surrounding regions with access to three of the most effective radiation therapies available, using the most advanced tech to deliver the safest treatments.

TomoTherapy

TomoTherapy is a type of radiation treatment using cutting-edge technology to target tumors with optimal precision. It is most commonly used to treat cancers of the brain, prostate, head, and lungs. It can also be used to treat secondary tumors and recurring cancers.

TomoTherapy treatment uses 3D imaging to build accurate plans. Then, a spiral delivery of radiation is used to target the tumor from every angle in the most precise manner, killing cancer cells without attacking healthy surrounding cells.

This type of treatment is usually delivered in several stages, with scans being taken before each appointment to confirm that the tumors haven’t grown or changed shape.

Varian

Varian radiation oncology, also known as Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART), uses controlled radiation to target cancer cells without impacting healthy cells. It is achieved through the highly advanced Varian machine, which can cure cancer and reduce the likelihood of returning cancer.

The Varian technologies are primarily used to treat head and neck, thyroid, breast, cervix, bladder, prostate, and eye cancers. Treatments are delivered over several sessions and may include a combination of internal (inside the body) and external radiotherapy.

In addition to killing cancer cells, Varian may be used to slow tumor growths ahead of other treatments, like chemotherapy and surgery.

Xoft

Radiation oncology provided courtesy of the Xoft machine is most commonly used to treat skin cancer. It is one of the most popular solutions because it offers scar-free treatments on the face, nose, ears, arms, legs, and other body parts that may develop skin cancer.

This type of cancer treatment is particularly useful for those that are not in a position to have surgery or other treatments due to medical conditions. The Xoft treatment is minimally invasive, while it also reaches areas that surgery would struggle to target.

Electronic Brachytherapy (eBx) is used to target the cancer cells by getting closer to the anatomical location and shaping the treatment to match the tumor. It is delivered over several appointments.

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to learn more about radiation oncology? Reach out to Cochise Oncology at (520) 803-6644 or fill out the consultation form on this page. We look forward to meeting you!

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Take the first step toward healing with Cochise Oncology. Guided by National Comprehensive Cancer Network standards, our experienced oncologists in Sierra Vista provides personalized cancer care, advanced radiation therapy, and comprehensive oncology services. Schedule a consultation today to receive compassionate support and a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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