Such analysis requires a thorough physical examination, a review of previous hospital records, x-rays, pathological slides and other special examinations. If radiation treatments are indicated, the radiation oncologist will then be able to plan the best possible way to deliver them. Radiation therapy offers certain patients the opportunity to treat their disease while saving the affected organs by reducing the need for radical surgery. For example, radiation therapy can be used in conjunction with limited surgery to treat breast cancer so as to rid the patient of cancer while saving most of the breast. Radiation therapy also offers men the opportunity to treat prostate cancer without the loss of organ function which might occur if the disease was treated surgically.
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.