Radio-oncology or radiotherapy is one of the major forms of treatment of cancer. It uses certain types of radiation to destroy a tumour or diseased cells that could develop into a tumour.
The radio-oncologist / radiotherapist knows the differences between the various forms of radiations. He knows which form of radiation should be used with which disease, and how the radiation affects the body. He knows how to operate the variety of equipment used to irradiate a disease.
Radiotherapy is frequently used, where possible, to treat female breast cancer because it allows the breast's natural shape to be retained. Radiotherapy is also used on the prostate, lungs, womb, lymph nodes, bones, skin and brain.
Radio-oncology is often combined with chemotherapy or surgery. The patient is comprehensively cared for in close cooperation with the cancer specialist, the oncologist.
