Over half of all cancer patients will require some form of radiation therapy, either alone or in combination with other treatments including chemotherapy and/or surgery. Radiation therapy or radiotherapy, as it is often called, uses high-energy x-ray beams to eradicate or shrink tumor cells without damaging the surrounding tissue. It can be used to help cure cancer or relieve symptoms.

Radiation therapy may be given before surgery (neoadjunvant therapy) to shrink a tumor so that it is easier to remove. It may also be administered after surgery ( adjuvant therapy ) to eradicate any cancer cells remaining in the area.

External Radiation
External radiation is administered like an x-ray. The radiation is delivered with pinpoint accuracy through state-of-the-art technology aiming external radiation beams at a specific area of the body. This treatment is given, most often, on an out-patient basis and there is no radioactivity left in the body after the treatment.

Internal Radiation Therapy or Brachytherapy
Internal radiation therapy involves placing radioactive implants directly in or near the tumor. These implants may be permanent or temporary. Patients may be required to stay in the hospital while the radiation level is at its highest.

For additional information please visit the following sites:

www.baptistonline.org/facilities/memphis/services/cancer/
www.bmhcc.org/facilities/desoto/services/radiation/