Radiation Oncology 

Radiation oncology is the treatment of benign or cancerous tumors with high energy X-rays, electrons or other kinds of radiation. In cases thought to be curable, radiation can be given before or after surgery or in combination with chemotherapy. When cure is not a realistic goal, radiation can be used to relieve symptoms of cancer, such as pain.

Radiation can be delivered to the body with special medical equipment or with radioactive material in seeds or catheters placed directly in a tumor or organ containing a tumor. When you come to Geisinger's radiation oncology department for therapy, you'll be guided through the following steps:

• Initial consultation with radiation oncologists
• Treatment simulation
• First treatment
• Daily treatment
• Weekly visit with the radiation oncologist
• Follow-up care

Radiation oncology team

A highly trained team of medical professionals will manage your care.

• The radiation oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of diseases using radiation.
• The radiation oncology nurse is a registered nurse with special training in the treatment of diseases using radiation.
• A radiation therapist with special training will administer your daily treatment.
• A dosimetrist uses your diagnostic studies.measurements and the radiation oncologist's treatment requests to determine the best way to treat an area while also working to limit radiation to healthy tissue.
• A radiation physicist monitors equipment and verifies measurements to assure the correct amounts of radiation are given.