Leading Provider of Radiation Treatment for Cancer
Existing as charged particles or waves, radiation is a type of energy that includes x-rays, gamma rays, protons, and electron beams. Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing.
How Does Radiation Therapy Help Cancer?
Targeted forms of radiation are used to relieve cancer-related symptoms, shrink tumors, and kill cancer cells. This type of therapy also allows radiation oncologists to focus directly on the tumor, which can reduce side effects as well as damage to healthy tissues. Over half of all cancer patients undergo radiation treatments for various reasons, such as to:
- Destroy small, early-stage tumors
- Shrink tumors before surgery or another treatment
- Prevent remaining cancer cells from growing after other treatments or surgery
- Help cancer from recurring
Radiation therapy can also be used for:
- Relieving symptoms of advanced cancer by shrinking tumors that cause breathing difficulties, pain, and other problems. This is called “palliative radiation.”
- Keeping cancer cells and tumors from growing when used in combination with other treatments.
- A primary cancer treatment.
Advanced Radiation Therapy Services
The radiation oncologists at WCRG offer a full spectrum of advanced radiation therapy services to treat cancers of all types. Innovative technologies and precise imaging allow us to provide more targeted treatments that help preserve your quality of life.
The type of radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy) used for cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the following:
- Tumor location and size
- What organs are located near the tumor
- Whether other cancer treatments are needed
Two Main Types of Radiation Therapy
Using a machine outside the body to deliver radiation to the tumor, external beam radiation is used to treat cancers of the bone, liver, bladder, prostate, breast, lung, brain, and spine. Through our partnership with Mercy Health System, our radiation oncologists offer the following types of external beam radiation therapy:
- Proton beam therapy — Mercy St. Louis is one of only 40 proton centers in the United States
- TomoTherapy
- Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)
The other main type of radiation treatment is internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy. This type of therapy uses a radioactive implant that’s placed inside the body, in or near the tumor. Internal radiation therapy is often used to treat cancer of the eye, prostate, uterus (endometrial), cervix, breast, and head and neck.
Through these difference radiation treatment options, we offer patients some of the most advanced forms of radiation therapy available anywhere in the world.
Have a Question About A Bill?
Compassionate Care
Radiation oncologists are experienced and highly trained in the latest techniques and tools to help you achieve the best possible outcome. As part of your cancer treatment team, they provide personalized treatment plans based on your specific needs.
At West County Radiological Group, all our radiation oncologists have completed fellowship programs and are certified by the American Board of Radiology. Our team of radiation oncologists relies on the latest technology to provide our patients with compassionate care. Our physicians maintain strong academic, clinical, and research interests, and are committed to your well-being. You can count on excellent, quality care from the highly skilled specialists at West County Radiological Group.
What to Expect During Radiation Oncology Appointments
Like other forms of medication, radiation is prescribed, and how much is needed varies for each person. Your radiation oncologist will determine the correct treatment plan for you as well as the overall dose that you will receive.
