Radiation therapy uses targeted, high-energy radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells. This prevents them from growing and spreading. Depending on the type and location of the cancer, radiation may be delivered from a machine called a linear accelerator or placed directly inside the body.
Radiation therapy is often used to treat cancer. It can also help relieve symptoms such as pain or discomfort.
Before treatment begins, imaging tests such as CT or PET scans help your care team determine the size, shape, and location of a tumor. These images help your doctor target the tumor precisely. They also help protect nearby healthy tissue and reduce the risk of side effects.
