Radiation Therapy: What to Expect
While radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for brain and spine cancer, at AdventHealth Cancer Institute, we do it with uncommon expertise, guidance, and compassion. Using some of the most sophisticated radiation technology, like the Gamma Knife®, we can target tumors in and around your brain and spine with amazing precision, easing your pain and leaving healthy tissue untouched. Depending on your diagnosis, your team may recommend radiation alone, or in some cases, combine it with surgery and chemotherapy.
How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Radiation therapy targets specific areas of the body, shrinking tumors and killing cancer cells by damaging their DNA.
When treating brain tumors, our radiology team may recommend Gamma Knife® radiosurgery, the most technologically advanced, non-invasive procedure that’s not offered at any other hospital in Central Florida. Using this innovative method, we can precisely target the tumor, deliver tumor-shrinking treatment, and have you home all on the same day.
For spinal tumors that have metastasized, your team can use radiation therapy in two ways:
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External radiation, which delivers radiation in a concentrated beam to keep nearby healthy tissue unaffected.
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Internal radiation guided by ultrasound keeps healthy nearby tissue safer.
Throughout your treatment, your nurses and your radiation oncology care team are there to keep you and your support system informed, comfortable, and uplifted.
