Radiation has always played an integral role in the treatment of gynecological cancers. The most common disease sites that require radiation are the cervix and uterus. A woman with cancer of the uterus will usually undergo an initial surgery. Then, depending on the findings, she may require postoperative treatment with radiation. In rare instances preoperative treatment may be undertaken to shrink the tumor and make surgery possible.
Current technology makes it much safer and easier for women to tolerate radiotherapy.
Highly sophisticated three-dimensional treatment planning systems further enhance the ability to confine and localize treatment even more tightly around the cancers. The radiation therapist utilizes CAT and other scans to construct a 3-D model of the cancer and surrounding areas and then fires beams from different directions. This means the diseased area receives maximum treatment and the normal tissue is not affected as much. This is accomplished through the temporary insertion of instruments through the vagina. Both allow for very precise delivery of radiation to the tumors so the surrounding tissue is not adversely affected.