10 Radiation Therapy Doctors in Bangalore

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation Therapy is also called as Radiotherapy. This is a medical procedure which uses high doses of radiation to shrink the tumors and kill the cancer cells in the body. It is used as cancer treatment and also for thyroid disease, non-cancerous growth of cells, and blood disorders. In a few cases, Radiation Therapy may be used along with other treatments such as chemotherapy and other drugs. 

What are the types of Radiation Therapy?

There are two types of Radiation Therapy and they are:

1. External beam radiation therapy
2. Internal radiation therapy [Brachytherapy]

What are the advantages of Radiation Therapy?

The advantages of Radiation Therapy are as follows:

1. Shrinks the tumor
2. Improves the quality of life of the patient
3. Reduces the risk of recurrence of cancer
4. Treats prostate cancer
5. Treats larynx tumor
6. Can be used with chemotherapy
7. Reduces the need for surgery

What are the indications of Radiation Therapy?

Radiation Therapy may be indicated in the following conditions:

1. Prostate cancer
2. Thyroid cancer
3. Breast cancer
4. Mediastinal compression
5. Several types of other cancers

What is the preparation for Radiation Therapy?

1. Before the procedure, the doctor will examine the tumor to determine the size, position, and type of cancer.
2. The doctor will ask about the patient's past and present medical and medication history.
3. Some tests may be performed such as CT scan, X-ray, PET scan, or MRI, etc.
4. Discuss with the doctor about all the risks, complications, and benefits associated with Radiation Therapy.

What are the steps involved in Radiation Therapy?

Radiation Therapy can be performed in 2 ways and they are:

1. External-beam Radiation Therapy
2. Internal Radiation Therapy

External-beam Radiation Therapy

1. During this procedure, the doctor will locate the tumors or the area to be treated.
2. Then, a machine (linear accelerator) is used to emit the high energy waves or radiation towards the tumors or the area of cancer cells.
3. This procedure targets only the area to be treated or only the tumors.

Internal Radiation Therapy

1. Anesthesia will be given to the patient before the procedure.
2. Then, the doctor will place radioactive sources such as metal tubes, seeds, or wires temporarily or permanently in the site of the tumor or inside the body, which may emit radiation.

What is the postprocedure care/recovery care for Radiation Therapy?

1. After completion of the procedure, the patient may leave the hospital on the same day of the procedure.
2. Some side effects may be noticed after the procedure. So, the patient should follow all the instructions given by the doctor.
3. Bed rest may be needed after the procedure.
4. If the patient receives internal radiation therapy, then the doctor will advise the patient to restrict contact with other people.
5. Avoid putting any hot or cold things in the treated area.
6. Do not wear tight clothing over the treated area.

Who can perform Radiation Therapy [Right specialist type for Radiation Therapy]?

Radiation Therapy can be performed by an experienced Radiation Oncologist.

What is the cost of Radiation Therapy?

Cost of Radiation Therapy depends on factors such as:

1. Admission fee
2. Doctor fee
3. Age of the patient
4. Area of the body to be treated
5. The medical condition of the patient
6. Type of cancer to be treated
7. Complications that are involved
8. Type of hospital
9. The admission room that you opted for
10. Any other lab tests or imaging tests such as X-ray, ECG, etc.

The minimum cost for Radiation Therapy in Bangalore starts from Rs.5,00,000

An average cost for Radiation Therapy in Bangalore is approximately Rs.11,00,000

The maximum cost for Radiation Therapy in Bangalore can rise up to Rs.20,00,000

Is Radiation Therapy a major procedure or minor procedure?

Radiation Therapy is a major medical procedure that involves high energy waves or high doses of radiation to reduce or shrink the tumors and kill the cancer cells.

What is the eligibility criteria for Radiation Therapy?

People who can undergo Radiation Therapy are:

1. Individuals who are suffering from cancer.
2. People who need to prevent the recurrence of cancer.
3. People who are suffering from symptoms such as trouble in breathing, pain at the site of the tumor, or loss of bladder control, etc.
4. Individuals who are not responding to anti-cancer medications.

What is the ineligibility criteria for Radiation Therapy?

People who cannot undergo Radiation Therapy are:

1. People who are responding to anti-cancer medications.
2. Individuals who are not diagnosed with cancer.

What are the risks and complications associated with Radiation Therapy?

Risks and Complications associated with Radiation Therapy are:

1. Hair loss
2. Irritation of skin at the site of treatment
3. Dry mouth
4. Mouth sores
5. Tooth decay
6. Difficulty in swallowing
7. Shortness of breath
8. Sexual dysfunction

How long does it take to complete Radiation Therapy?

Radiation Therapy may take almost 10-15 minutes to complete a single session. Sometimes it may take more than usual time depending on the condition of the patient and severity of the type of cancer.

What is the recovery time?

Individuals who undergo complete radiation therapy may take a few weeks [2-3 weeks] or months [2-3 months] to recover completely.

What is the success rate of Radiation Therapy?

The success rate of Radiation Therapy depends on the following factors:

1. Age of the patient
2. Type of cancer to be treated
3. The medical condition of the patient
4. Type of procedure performed

However, the success rate of Radiation Therapy may be 91.5%-98%

Is Radiation Therapy painful?

Radiation Therapy is not painful. In a few cases, it may cause some side effects after completion of the procedure.

Is Radiation Therapy Permanent?

Radiation Therapy may be permanent as it helps to reduce the growth of cancer cells and treats several types of cancer.

What are the long-term results of Radiation Therapy?

Some of the long-term results of Radiation Therapy are:

1. Kills the cancer cells and treats several types of cancer
2. The treated area of the body may look darker
3. Change in the sensation of skin
4. May cause lymphoedema
5. Difficulty in swallowing

What are the options if Radiation Therapy fails?

The following are the options available when Radiation Therapy fails:

1. Salvage androgen ablation therapy
2. Salvage brachytherapy
3. Prostate cryoablation
4. Radical prostatectomy
5. Revision Radiation Therapy

What are the alternatives for Radiation Therapy?

1. Using anti-cancer medications
2. Chemotherapy
3. Immunotherapy treatment
4. Oxygen therapy and hyperbaric chambers