What does a radiation oncologist doctor do?
A radiation oncologist is a doctor with specialized training in treating cancer by using radiation treatments. Your radiation oncologist will be part of a team, including a medical oncologist, that determines the best way to treat your cancer.
What happens at your first visit to a radiation oncologist?
At your first visit with a radiation oncologist, the doctor will review your medical records, any x-rays or tests that have been done, and perform an examination. The radiation oncologist will recommend the type of radiation you need and how many treatments to expect. You’ll have time to ask any questions that you might have about the treatment and what to expect.
Does a radiation oncologist do surgery?
Radiation oncologists do not perform surgery. They treat cancer using radiation therapy. If your cancer requires surgery, it will be performed by a surgeon that is skilled in the type of cancer that needs to be removed. In some cases, you may need both radiation and surgery. The two types of doctors will work together to treat your cancer.
What can you not do during radiation treatment?
Depending on the radiation area, you will have different effects and restrictions. In general, here are some guidelines for what not to do:
- Avoid tight or irritating clothing in the treatment area.
- Don’t use moisturizers or lotions for at least two hours before your treatment.
- Keep the treated area out of direct sunlight for at least a year.
- Avoid alcohol in mouthwash during head and neck radiation.
- Avoid alcohol-based aftershave on radiated areas.
- Don’t apply heat or cold to the treatment area.
How will I feel after my first radiation treatment?
After your first radiation treatment, you might not notice much, but as your treatments continue, the following effects are very common:
- Fatigue. This usually starts a few weeks after beginning radiation. You might feel mentally and physically tired.
- Skin problems. The skin in your treatment area can look red, irritated, swollen, blistered, sunburned, or tanned. The skin changes begin after several treatments and gradually disappear after your treatments are over.
- Hair loss. It's not unusual to lose hair in the treatment area after several treatments. Usually, it grows back after treatment is complete.
Is radiation worse than chemo?
Radiation focuses on just one part of your body. Chemotherapy (chemo) goes throughout the entire body. Because of this, you may experience fewer side effects with radiation than with chemo. Many side effects you might have with radiation depend on the area being treated. Some include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin changes
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Sexual dysfunction
You might need to have both radiation and chemo to treat your cancer in some cases.
