What is a radiation oncologist?
A radiation oncologist treats cancer using radiation therapy. Other types of oncologists include: A gynecologic oncologist treats gynecologic cancers, such as uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancers. A pediatric oncologist treats cancer in children. Some types of cancer occur most often in children and teenagers.
What kind of Doctor treats cancer?
This cancer specialist treats cancer with radiation therapy. Surgical oncologist. This is a surgeon who has special training in treating cancer. Your surgical oncologist may be called in to diagnose cancer with a biopsy. Surgical oncologists also treat cancer by removing tumors or other cancerous tissue.
What kind of cancer can Radiation Therapy treat?
Doctors use radiation therapy to treat just about every type of cancer. Radiation therapy is also useful in treating some noncancerous (benign) tumors. Your doctor may suggest radiation therapy as an option at different times during your cancer treatment and for different reasons, including:
What are the duties of a radiation therapist?
They participate in maintenance of certification, a process that ensures that they are up to date on advances in the field. Radiation therapists work with radiation oncologists. They administer the daily radiation treatment under the doctor's prescription and supervision.
What is the difference between an oncologist and a radiation oncologist?
Medical oncologists treat cancer using medication, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Radiation oncologists treat cancer using radiation therapy, which is the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells.
Is a radiologist the same as a radiation oncologist?
The radiation oncologist determines the delivery method and dosage of radiation therapy to be provided to a patient. What does a radiologist do? A radiologist specializes in using medical imaging techniques to diagnose and treat different conditions, including cancer.
Is a radiation oncologist A doctor?
A radiation oncologist is a specialist doctor who uses radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer patients. Radiation oncologists work in teams with other doctors to create and deliver radiation therapy programs.
Does a radiologist do radiation therapy?
Other doctors and other clinicians on a cancer patient's care team may also have similar titles starting with “rad.” "Our primary focus is in using ionizing radiation energy to treat cancer, whereas the diagnostic radiologists are using ionizing radiation to evaluate patients with imaging.
What is the success rate of radiation therapy?
“In fact, based on the literature reviewed, it appears that external-beam radiation therapy is a superior treatment in some cases. “When patients are treated with modern external-beam radiation therapy, the overall cure rate was 93.3% with a metastasis-free survival rate at 5 years of 96.9%.
Do Radiation oncologists do procedures?
A radiation oncologist uses ionizing radiation and other modalities to treat malignant and some benign diseases. Radiation oncologists also may use computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and hyperthermia (heat) as additional interventions to aid in treatment planning and delivery.
How long does first radiation treatment take?
Expect each treatment session to last approximately 10 to 30 minutes. In some cases, a single treatment may be used to help relieve pain or other symptoms associated with more-advanced cancers. During a treatment session, you'll lie down in the position determined during your radiation simulation session.
Is radiation therapy painful?
Does radiation therapy hurt? No, radiation therapy does not hurt while it is being given. But the side effects that people may get from radiation therapy can cause pain and discomfort. This booklet has a lot of information about ways that you and your doctor and nurse can help manage side effects.
What can I expect after my first radiation treatment?
The most common early side effects are fatigue (feeling tired) and skin changes. Other early side effects usually are related to the area being treated, such as hair loss and mouth problems when radiation treatment is given to this area. Late side effects can take months or even years to develop.
Who administers radiotherapy?
Therapeutic radiographers operate the machines that give you your treatment. They are trained in radiotherapy and patient care, and work with the oncologist and physicist to plan and deliver your treatment.
What can you not do during radiation treatment?
Avoid raw vegetables and fruits, and other hard, dry foods such as chips or pretzels. It's also best to avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods if you are experiencing these symptoms. Your care team can recommend nutrient-based oral care solutions if you are experiencing mucositis or mouth sores caused by cancer treatment.
How many sessions of radiotherapy is normal?
Most people have 5 treatments each week (1 treatment a day from Monday to Friday, with a break at the weekend). But sometimes treatment may be given more than once a day or over the weekend.
What is a radiation oncologist?
Radiation Oncologist. Radiation oncologists are physicians who oversee the care of each cancer patient undergoing radiation treatment. After determining whether a patient is a candidate for radiation therapy they review the side effects and benefits of treatment with the patient. Next they develop and prescribe each cancer patient's radiation ...
How do radiation therapists work?
They administer the daily radiation treatment under the doctor's prescription and supervision. They maintain daily records and regularly check the treatment machines to make sure they are working properly. Radiation therapists go through a two- to four-year educational program following high school or college. They take a special examination and must be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. In addition, many states require that radiation therapists be licensed.
How do dosimetrists work?
Dosimetrists use treatment planning software to help the radiation oncologist develop a treatment plan for a patient. Contours are created for normal tissues, such as the lungs or liver and for tumor structures and other areas at risk for harboring cancer cells. They then calculate the dose of radiation that will be delivered to these contoured structures to make sure that the tumor gets enough radiation to destroy it while spares the normal tissues. There are generally accepted guidelines (dose constraints) for the amount of radiation that a particular organ can tolerate. Many of these treatment plans are very complex. Dosimetrists work with the radiation oncologist and the medical physicist to create the treatment plan that is best suited to each patient. Final decisions regarding the treatment plan are made by the radiation oncologist. Many dosimetrists start as radiation therapists and with intensive training, become medical dosimetrists. Others are graduates of one- to two-year dosimetry programs. The Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board certifies dosimetrists.
What is the role of a dosimetrist in radiation therapy?
Dosimetrists work with the radiation oncologist and the medical physicist to create the treatment plan that is best suited to each patient.
What is the role of radiation oncology nurses?
Nurses play a key role in educating the patient about treatment, side effects, etc. Radiation oncology nurses are registered nurses licensed to practice professional nursing.
What do nurses do in radiation?
Nurses work with the radiation team to care for patients during the course of treatment. They help evaluate the patient before treatment begins. They may talk to the patient about potential side effects and their management. During the course of radiation treatments, the nurse may evaluate the patient weekly or more frequently to assess problems and concerns. Nurses play a key role in educating the patient about treatment, side effects, etc. Radiation oncology nurses are registered nurses licensed to practice professional nursing. Most nurses in radiation therapy have additional accreditation in the specialty of oncology nursing. Advanced practice nurses in oncology, which include clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners, have completed a master's degree program.
How long does it take to become a radiation oncologist?
Radiation oncologists have completed four years of college, four years of medical school , one year of general medical training, then four years of residency (specialty) ...
Why do people get radiation therapy?
Why it's done. More than half of all people with cancer receive radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatment. Doctors use radiation therapy to treat just about every type of cancer. Radiation therapy is also useful in treating some noncancerous (benign) tumors.
How long does radiation treatment last?
Expect each treatment session to last approximately 10 to 30 minutes. In some cases, a single treatment may be used to help relieve pain or other symptoms associated with more-advanced cancers. During a treatment session, you'll lie down in the position determined during your radiation simulation session.
What is the treatment for cancer?
Radiation therapy. External beam radiation uses high-powered beams of energy to kill cancer cells. Beams of radiation are precisely aimed at the cancer using a machine that moves around your body. Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses beams of intense energy to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy most often uses X-rays, but ...
What type of radiation is used in X-rays?
The term "radiation therapy" most often refers to external beam radiation therapy. During this type of radiation, the high-energy beams come from a machine outside of your body that aims the beams at a precise point on your body.
How does radiation damage cells?
Radiation therapy damages cells by destroying the genetic material that controls how cells grow and divide. While both healthy and cancerous cells are damaged by radiation therapy, the goal of radiation therapy is to destroy as few normal, healthy cells as possible.
How long does it take for cancer to respond to radiation?
In some cases, your cancer may respond to treatment right away. In other cases, it may take weeks or months for your cancer to respond.
Do you lie still during radiation?
It's imperative that you lie still during treatment, so finding a comfortable position is vital. To do this, you'll lie on the same type of table that's used during radiation therapy. Cushions and restraints are used to position you in the right way and to help you hold still.
How long does radiation treatment last?
What Happens During Radiation. The treatment is normally Monday through Friday and lasts about 45 minutes. A lot of time is spent getting your body in the right position, so the radiation hits its desired locations. You lay down on a custom-molded table. A technician positions your body using lasers and measurements.
How long does it take for radiation to hit your body?
This may seem scary, but this ensures the radiation does not hit healthy areas. The radiation takes a couple of minutes. You can sense when the radiation hits your body if you receive radiation to your brain.
Does radiation cause hair loss?
Radiation to your brain causes hair loss, but over time it grows back. As your hair grows again, so will you. Remember, during and after radiation treatment, listen to your body, ask questions, acknowledge side effects and adjust.
What kind of doctor do you see for cancer?
It depends on your type of cancer and the stage of your cancer. However, here’s a rundown of the cancer specialists you might see: Medical oncologist. This is the cancer specialist you’ll probably see most often. Usually your oncologist will oversee your general care and coordinate treatments with other specialists.
What is a surgical oncologist?
Surgical oncologist. This is a surgeon who has special training in treating cancer. Your surgical oncologist may be called in to diagnose cancer with a biopsy. Surgical oncologists also treat cancer by removing tumors or other cancerous tissue. Depending on your case, you may also need to see other types of doctors for special cancer care.
What to look for in a cancer specialist?
Openness to your questions. This is one of the most important things to look for in a cancer specialist. You need to feel like your doctor is listening to you and answering your questions. Also, make sure your doctor will be available to you when you need to talk to them -- even after you leave the office.
What is the job of an oncologist?
Usually your oncologist will oversee your general care and coordinate treatments with other specialists. Your oncologist will also be in charge of chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. You’ll likely visit your medical oncologist for long-term, regular checkups. Radiation oncologist.
How many ways can you treat cancer?
Active surveillance is advised but there are three ways to treat cancer: with medicine (such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy), with radiation, and with surgery. Each treatment may be handled by a different specialist. Not ev,ery person will need all three types of treatments.
Is it bad to not be board certified in cancer?
That said, board certification is not available for every subtype of cancer treatment. So not being board certified is not necessarily a bad sign.
Who do you see for reconstructive surgery?
Sometimes, surgery might be done by a general surgeon instead of a surgical oncologist. Or you might need to see a plastic surgeon if you need reconstructive surgery after treatment. You might also wish to see a psychiatrist or a psycho-oncologist, a psychiatrist who specializes in the psychological challenges of coping with cancer.
What kind of doctor treats leukemia?
In these situations, an adult may decide to work with a pediatric oncologist. A hematologist-oncologist diagnoses and treats blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
What is the difference between a medical oncologist and a radiation oncologist?
A medical oncologist treats cancer using chemotherapy or other medications , such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy. A surgical oncologist removes the tumor and nearby tissue during surgery. He or she also performs certain types of biopsies to help diagnose cancer. A radiation oncologist treats cancer using radiation therapy.
What are the different types of oncologists?
Other types of oncologists include: 1 A gynecologic oncologist treats gynecologic cancers, such as uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancers. 2 A pediatric oncologist treats cancer in children. Some types of cancer occur most often in children and teenagers. This includes certain brain tumors, leukemia, osteosarcoma, and Ewing’s sarcoma. Types of cancer more common in children sometimes also occur in adults. In these situations, an adult may decide to work with a pediatric oncologist. 3 A hematologist-oncologist diagnoses and treats blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
What kind of cancer does a pediatric oncologist treat?
A gynecologic oncologist treats gynecologic cancers, such as uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancers. A pediatric oncologist treats cancer in children. Some types of cancer occur most often in children and teenagers. This includes certain brain tumors, leukemia, osteosarcoma, and Ewing’s sarcoma. Types of cancer more common in children sometimes ...
What is a diagnostic radiologist?
A diagnostic radiologist conducts imaging tests to diagnose disease. This includes x-rays or ultrasound tests. An oncology nurse. An oncology social worker. The team may also involve doctors from other areas of medicine. For instance, a dermatologist who specializes in skin problems may also help treat skin cancer.
What is the role of a doctor in cancer?
Delivering quality and compassionate care. Helping a patient manage the symptoms and side effects of cancer and cancer treatment. Different types of doctors often work together to create a patient’s overall treatment plan that combines different types of treatments.
Can a dermatologist treat skin cancer?
For instance, a dermatologist who specializes in skin problems may also help treat skin cancer. Sometimes a person’s cancer diagnosis is complex. In this case, the patient’s oncologist may ask a tumor board to review the case.
Overview
Why It's Done
- More than half of all people with cancer receive radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatment. Doctors use radiation therapy to treat just about every type of cancer. Radiation therapy is also useful in treating some noncancerous (benign) tumors.
Risks
- Radiation therapy side effects depend on which part of your body is being exposed to radiation and how much radiation is used. You may experience no side effects, or you may experience several. Most side effects are temporary, can be controlled and generally disappear over time once treatment has ended. Some side effects may develop later. For example, in rare circumsta…
How You Prepare
- Before you undergo external beam radiation therapy, your health care team guides you through a planning process to ensure that radiation reaches the precise spot in your body where it's needed. Planning typically includes: 1. Radiation simulation.During simulation, your radiation therapy team works with you to find a comfortable position for you during treatment. It's imperative that you li…
What You Can Expect
- External beam radiation therapy is usually conducted using a linear accelerator — a machine that directs high-energy beams of radiation into your body. As you lie on a table, the linear accelerator moves around you to deliver radiation from several angles. The linear accelerator can be adjusted for your particular situation so that it delivers the precise dose of radiation your doctor has order…
Results
- If you're receiving radiation to a tumor, your doctor may have you undergo periodic scans after your treatment to see how your cancer has responded to radiation therapy. In some cases, your cancer may respond to treatment right away. In other cases, it may take weeks or months for your cancer to respond. Some people aren't helped by radiation therapy.
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiesof tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions.
Finding Premiere Experts and Care
What Happens During Radiation
- The treatment is normally Monday through Friday and lasts about 45 minutes. A lot of time is spent getting your body in the right position, so the radiation hits its desired locations. You lay down on a custom-molded table. A technician positions your body using lasers and measurements. When you are aligned, a mouthguard and wired head case are placed on your bo…
What Happens After Radiation
- Radiation side effects are different for each person. You may be able to exercise or perform your ‘normal’ activities. Or you may not. Side effects also tend to get worse as more treatments are given. I lost my hair, experienced a great deal of fatigue and nausea, and skin dryness on treated areas. When these changes happen, acknowledge your side effects and react. No one expects y…
Advice For Others
- After four surgeries and multiple radiation treatments, I live with neuropathy in my feet, nerve damage to my legs, and drop foot on my right foot. I also have radiation retinopathy in my eyes. I go to rehab regularly and receive shots in my eyes to help my vision and reduce swelling. Going through cancer for so long, you have to live through every single hard day to put things into pers…