Radiation therapy
An oncologist is a type of doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer. One type of treatment an oncologist may use is radiation therapy, which destroys cancer cells through beams of strong energy.
Personalized radiation oncology care
We provide hope and support with our advanced radiation therapy services.
Cancer is never easy, but throughout Western North Carolina, Mission Health hospitals provide evidence-based radiation oncology treatments with a supportive, caring approach. Our cancer care programs are focused on positive outcomes for you.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Our radiation therapy program
In our radiation therapy department, we use carefully targeted and calibrated doses of high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.
Radiation treatment
Radiation causes some cancer cells to die immediately after treatment, while others are permanently damaged and incapacitated. Our radiation therapy services combine the quality and capability of state-of-the-art technology with the expertise and compassion of our medical staff.
Our team will work closely with your surgeon and medical oncologist to determine the best treatment options for you. Your team of doctors and radiation specialists includes:
- Board-certified radiation oncologist — These physicians are trained in treating cancer with radiation. They will create and manage your treatment, including prescribing dosages.
- Medical dosimetrist — These medical professionals work with your radiation oncologist to calculate dosages and oversee your treatments.
- Medical physicist — These types of physicists ensure that the radiation equipment is functioning properly and is dispensing the correct dosages.
- Radiation therapist — These therapists operate the radiation equipment and ensure you are in the correct position for every treatment.
Our office staff is also on hand to schedule appointments, maintain records and assist with directions and parking.
In our radiation department, we perform the following therapeutic procedures:
- High-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR)
- Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
- Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)
- Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)
Focused ultrasound radiosurgery
Our hospitals were the first in Western North Carolina to offer focused ultrasound radiosurgery. As the delivery system for SRS and SBRT, focused ultrasound tracks tumors in 3D space, delivering precise beams of energy with sub-millimeter accuracy. This destroys harmful cells while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue and maximizing positive outcomes. We can treat lung, brain and prostate cancer with focused ultrasound.
There are many advantages to focused ultrasound radiosurgery, such as:
- Fewer treatments
- High precision
- Minimal side effects
- No immobilization
- Noninvasive
- Shorter recovery time
Nationally recognized radiotherapy
Our radiation therapy department is accredited by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) as a Program for Excellence (APEx). This accreditation is awarded by an objective review of professional peers and recognizes outstanding systems, personnel, policies and procedures that demonstrate a commitment to safety and quality.
SBRT
Sometimes called stereotactic body radiation therapy, SBRT involves less radiation to avoid killing healthy tissue, while still achieving the goal of killing cancer cells. Treatments are reduced from thirty to just five over only a week and a half.
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