In the future, the number of new cancer cases worldwide is predicted to almost double, and it remains to be seen whether or not this alarming trend will level off or reverse. With an increase in cancer diagnoses, oncology radiology becomes even more relevant.
In light of this, cancer will continue to pose a consequential challenge to human health. Oncology radiology is a critical pillar and a highly developed specialty in modern cancer treatment. The average cancer patient requires radiotherapy 50% of the time during their illness.
The number of patients receiving radiation therapy is anticipated to double. However, radiation therapy demands for 2020 declined by 4% because of overall decreases in radiation use in cancer diagnosis.
But, What is Radiation Oncology?
Oncology involves the treatment of cancer with high-energy beams. Radiation therapy is often used alone or in chemotherapy and surgery. Radiation may also be combined with other therapeutic options such as targeted therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or surgery.
There are several radiation oncology types:
1. Brachytherapy:
Is a type of radiation treatment that provides ionizing radiation internally by placing the source of radiation within or near a tumor.
2. External Beam Radiation:
Refers to the most universally used radiation oncology treatment. In most cases, a linear accelerator directs x-ray beams directly at the tumor bed or tumor from outside the body’s walls.
3. Tomotherapy:
Is a method of IMRT that provides radiation in a spiral pattern to treat cancer. It is a radiation therapy modality that exposes only a single slice of the target at a time through a modulated strip beam. Moreover, it combines radiation treatment machines with CT scans. A CT scan identifies the tumor’s shape, size, and location before undergoing treatment.
4. Fractionated Stereotactic Radiation (FSRT) and Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT):
Are more advanced types of radiation therapy that target cancer while inducing minor damage to normal tissues.
5. Stereotactic Radiosurgery:
Is used to diagnose brain tumors. This type of radiation is very precise.
Moreover, oncology radiation has two main subspecialties. Subspecialty certification requires specialty certification.
- Pain Medicine
- Hospice and Palliative Medicine
In most cases, a radiation oncologist works closely with other specialists to create an effective plan tailored to the patient’s needs.
In What Ways Does Radiation Oncology Work?
By damaging the cells’ DNA, radiation kills cancerous cells as well as healthy cells in the area being treated. In at least 40% of cancer cases, radiation therapy (RT) is responsible for curing the disease, but treatment resistance persists. The body absorbs dead cancer cells after they die.
In some cases, this method may take a long time, so the tumor may take longer to shrink.
What to Expect:
Your doctor will guide you decide what diagnosis is best for you. The doctor will explain to you which type of radiation therapy will be most effective for you and any possible side effects.
If you experience any side effects, such as numbness, rash, or lymphedema (inflammation of the lymphatic system), your clinical team will help you manage them.
Notably, every cancer and every patient is unique.
During treatment, your oncologist will monitor you closely. Your doctor will also inform you if any changes need to be made during the treatment.
Generally, radiation is painless, but if you stay in an uncomfortable position for too long, you may experience discomfort.
For more information about our teleradiology solutions, contact Advanced Telemed Services.