Several professionals work with the radiation oncologist in providing treatment to the patient. Localization Many cancers are located deep within the body. Their exact location in relation to normal structures and the body surface must be found and marked. This process is called localization and it may require, in addition to physical examination, special studies using medical imaging equipment, such as the CT scanner, the MRI scanner, ultrasound and radioisotopes. X-ray films of the region to be treated are also made using the treatment machine or a simulator.
Radiation cures cancer by killing abnormal cells.
However, it can also damage normal cells. It is for this reason that localization and treatment planning require great skill and care. The radiation oncologist and the staff plan treatments to minimize effects on normal tissue. The treatment can be as short as one day or it can extend for many weeks. The number and frequency of treatments depend on the radiation oncologist's analysis of the individual patient's problems.