Radiation Oncology (Therapy) - Radiologic Technology Facts

Therapeutic Procedure in Radiology

Radiation oncology is a field of medicine that radiation is the main source of treating cancer, including computers and healthcare professional. The second leading to death in U.S is cancer according to American Cancer Society. It was projected last 2007 that 1.4 million in the U.S were given a diagnosis of cancer. Approximately half of these patients will going to have a radiation therapy for cure, for preventing recurrence or for relieving symptoms also known as palliation.
A low to high energy ionizing radation is use to destroy the cancer cells while the normal tissue are preserve. There are three types of radiation use for therapy, the Photon, gamma rays, and electron, these are delivered in many type of treatment or ways depending on the location of cancer cells. Teletherapy or long-distance therapy and brachytherapy for short distance therapy are the primary mechanism for delivering the therapeutic and palliative radiation.

Radiation Theraphy Equipment and Machine

Cobalt-60 was developed in 1950's and were commonly used for external-beam therapy. Cobalt-60 emits an average energy of 1.25 MeV gamma rays use for treatment. Cobalt-60 units were slowly replaced by linear accelerators in the beginning of 1970's. The linear accelerators produce photon and electron treatment beams with varying energy ranges from 6 to 20 MeV. The ability to treat with photons or electrons at different energies has led to the development of treatment protocols that are based on type, size, and location of the cancer cells.