Radiation is often an effective cancer treatment. In all types of radiation, the radiation interferes with the DNA inside individual cells to keep the cancer cells from growing and dividing. However, not all types of radiation are the same. Different kinds of radiation treat different cancers and present different risks.
Three Types of Radiation Treatment
Radiation therapy includes:
- External radiation. External radiation, also known as external beam radiation, is the most common form of cancer radiation treatment, and it is used to treat a wide variety of cancers. A machine delivers high-energy radiation beams from outside your body into your cancer. Different types of external radiation include three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), helical-tomotherapy, photon beam radiation therapy, proton beam radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery (for brain tumors), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT).
- Internal radiation. Internal radiation is also known as brachytherapy. Doctors implant a temporary or permanent radioactive implant in or near your tumor to provide a higher dose of radiation than can be provided through external radiation.
- Systemic radiation. Patients who receive systemic radiation may take an oral radioactive drug or receive a radioactive drug injection in a vein. The radiation travels throughout the body and may be used to treat prostate, thyroid, bone, and other cancers.
Your type of cancer, the size of the tumor, and other factors will determine whether you receive external, internal, or systemic radiation treatment.
Radiation Mistake Injuries
All forms of radiation are risky. If your doctor, the person who administers the radiation, or the company that made the machine or medication is negligent, you could suffer serious, life-changing injuries.
Our experienced Kentucky radiation injury lawyers and staff nurse can thoroughly review your case to find out why you were hurt. If you were hurt because of a radiation mistake, we can also fight for your full and fair recovery of damages. Call us or start a live chat with us now to schedule a free consultation and to find out more about your legal rights and possible compensation.