Radiation Therapy

If your cancer is localized to one part of your body, radiation therapy may be your best treatment option. Radiation is often used in combination with other cancer treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy.

Why Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy can:

• Reduce tumor size, to make it easier to remove tumors surgically
• Stop cancer from spreading
• Control pain, pressure, and other cancer symptoms
• Control benign diseases, including:
  • Acoustic neuromas
  • Heterotopic bone formation
  • Meningiomas

Coordinated Cancer Care

Our experienced team of radiation oncologists is the largest in western Massachusetts. We coordinate your care with other members of your oncology team to determine the best treatment plan for you, based on:

• Age
• Cancer location
• Current health
• Gender
• Medical history
• Stage of cancer
• Type of cancer

All of your Baystate medical information, including X-rays, pathology, and other medical reports, is stored electronically so team members are always up to date with your care plan.

Advanced Cancer Treatment

We offer the latest radiation therapy options, including:

•  External beam radiation, including image-guided radiation, intensity-modulated radiation, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic radiotherapy, 3D conformal radiation, and skin surface brachytherapy
•  Internal radiation, including high-dose rate implants and permanent interstitial implants
•  Radioactive seed localization, for patients undergoing lumpectomies for breast cancer

Questions to Ask About Radiation Therapy

If you need radiation therapy to treat your cancer, you may have concerns and worries. You probably also have many questions about what you will experience and what kind of side effects you can expect.

Baystate Regional Cancer Program cancer specialists believe in a holistic approach to your care. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you need, so you can feel confident and comfortable with your treatment plan.

In addition to specific questions you may want to ask before, during, and after your treatment, here are common some questions to ask your care team: