Northwest Oncology & Hematology

Rolling Meadows Office: 847.870.4100
Elk Grove Village Office: 847.437.3312
Hoffman Estates Office: 847.885.4100
Barrington Office: 847.842.0180
Elgin Office: 847.577.1023

Welcome to our health education library. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.

Understanding Radiation TherapyLa radioterapia

Understanding Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy can help you in your fight against cancer. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells.

What Is Cancer?

Cells in the body start out normal, growing and dividing the way they should. When normal cells change into cancer, they begin to grow and divide uncontrollably. A group of cancer cells is called a cancer tumor.

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How Radiation Therapy Works

Radiation destroys cancer cells gradually, over time. The goal of therapy is to focus on and kill as many cancer cells as possible. Radiation can also damage or kill some of the normal cells that are closest to the tumor. Damaged normal cells can repair themselves, often within a day or so.

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External Radiation

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With external radiation, a machine directs beams of high-energy x-rays at the tumor. The treatment is planned to aim at the cancer and affect the fewest normal cells. The machine can change position so the x-ray beams can enter your body from any angle.

Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy)

With internal radiation, one or more implants (also called sources) are placed in or around the cancer tumor. The implants put the radiation as close to the cancer as possible. Implants can be temporary or permanent.

Date Last Reviewed: 2007-01-15T00:00:00-07:00

Date Last Modified: 2002-07-09T08:39:24-06:00

Contact us at Northwest Oncology & Hematology. You can reach us at 847.870.4100 (Rolling Meadows office), 847.437.3312 (Elk Grove Village office), 847.885.4100 (Hoffman Estates office), 847.842.0180 (Barrington office) and 847.577.1023 (Elgin office)For your convenience, you can also use our New Patient Appointment online form to schedule your consultation with us.

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