Surgery to Restore
Appearance or Function
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is sometimes
called radiotherapy, X-ray therapy, or
irradiation.
It treats cancer by using beams of high-
energy waves or streams of particles
called radiation. The equipment aims a
specifi c amount of radiation at tumors or
areas of the body where there is cancer.
Sometimes, reconstructive or restorative
surgery is needed to improve appearance
or restore organ function after other
surgery is done to remove the tumor.
Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy
is a common type of reconstructive
surgery. Restorative surgery may be
needed to restore the function to the
intestine or bladder in these types of
cancer.
Types of Radiation
There are two types of radiation therapy:
External Radiation
Surgery to Prevent Cancer
External radiation is most often used
for cancer treatment. A machine directs
high-energy X-rays at the cancer site. The
treatments are painless and you are not
radioactive.
CyberKnife ® is a type of stereotactic
radiosurgery. It is a form of radiation
therapy — not surgery — and involves
no cutting.
Prophylactic surgery may be done to
prevent cancer from developing. This
type of surgery may be suggested when:
• Biopsies show precancerous tissue
• You have a medical condition that
may increase your risk for cancer
• You carry a gene known to increase
your risk of cancer
Internal Radiation
Internal radiation is also called
implant therapy or brachytherapy. The
radioactive source can be a temporary
or permanent implant inside the body
at the site of the cancer. An HDR (high-
dose-rate) radiation implant is a type of
internal radiation that is an option for
some cancer patients. The radiation is
delivered inside the body close to the
cancer. This limits the amount of healthy
tissue exposed to radiation. If you are
having internal radiation, your doctor
and healthcare providers will explain
how it will be done and any special
precautions that must be taken.
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