Radiation therapy is used to shrink or destroy tumours using high-energy X-rays. Conventional (also called fractionated) radiation therapy delivers a part (fraction) of the complete radiation dose over several sessions. By delivering a fraction of the total radiation dose at one time, any radiation damage to normal cells can be repaired between treatments. In this way, the healthy cells are protected from permanent injury or death. During the first consultation, a treatment plan will be drawn up. The treatment will take place everyday for several weeks to deliver the complete radiation dose.
You may be given radiation therapy as your only treatment, or you may also undergo surgery, chemotherapy, or both. Radiation therapy is usually meant to cure your cancer, however, sometimes the tumour may be too far advanced for the treatment to cure. In this case, you will be given radiation therapy to relieve your pain.