Years of studies have provided a variety of strategies to combat cancer. As these tests and trials have advanced, they have created more effective, targeted treatments. Today’s patients usually have a range of proven treatment options. And the list continues to grow.
Radiation Oncology Team Radiation Oncologist A physician who is specifically trained in treating cancers with the use of radiation Radiation Nurse Assists the radiation oncologist in medical/surgical procedures Radiation Quality Reviewer Ensures that the treatment prescribed is accurately reflected in the medical chart and medical charges Radiation Therapist Delivers the prescribed treatment and assists the patient before and after each treatment session Radiation Physicist Calibrates the treatment machines to ensure that the dose delivered accurately reflects the prescription and customizes the radiation beams according to the radiation oncologist’s plan Radiation Administrative Assistant/Transcriptionist Transfers pertinent information between physician offices and schedules all necessary tests Radiation Dosimetrist Computes the dosage of radiation prescribed
RADIATION ONCOLOGY Radiation oncology treats cancer and certain benign diseases with radiation by using high-energy X-rays to damage the DNA of cells, killing cancer cells or stopping them from reproducing. Both normal and diseased cells are affected, but most normal cells are able to recover quickly. In order to give normal cells time to heal and reduce a patient’s side effects, radiation treatments are typically given in small daily doses, five days a week. Radiation oncology is commonly combined with surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy or some mixture of the four. Most common cancer types can be treated with radiation. Radiation may be delivered by a linear accelerator outside the body (external beam radiation) or from radioactive material or sources placed in the body near the cancer cells (internal radiation, also called “brachytherapy”). External beam radiation consists of high-powered X-rays that are directed by the linear accelerator at the tumor from different angles around the patient’s body. © 2013 Lexington County Health Services District, Inc. (Rev. 9/2013)
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LEXINGTON MEDICAL CENTER CANCER SERVICES