Radiation Oncology
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Stereotactic Radiosurgery
MeritCare offers a treatment procedure for small brain tumors and other abnormalities. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) offers treatment using a high dose of tightly focused radiation. In this procedure, a neurosurgeon works with a radiation oncology specialists to treat the brain with radiation beams that are focused on small well defined areas.
The planning for stereotactic radiosurgery involves CT scans and three-dimensional computer systems to define the treatment area and treatment fields. Since the treated areas are usually small, a patient's head and neck are secured to minimize the amount of radiation to healthy brain tissue. This procedure is most often used for brain tumors and lesions. It may be used with other treatments or where traditional surgery is not possible. Your radiation oncologist will advise you if stereotactic radiosurery is an treatment option.
How it Works:
Stereotactic radiosurgery is similar to other forms of radiation treatment. It does not remove the tumor or lesion, but damages the DNA of the tumor cells. The damaged cells lose their ability to reproduce and as a result die.
Side Effects:
Swelling: The cells of the irradiated tumors lose their ability to regulate fluids and swelling may occur.
Dead Tissue: The tumor tissue that remains after the radiation treatment will typically shrink. Very rarely, dead tissue (necrosis) can cause other health issues and may need to be removed.
Surgery: Relief of symptoms may require open skull surgery or medication.
Other Effects: Side effects depend upon the area of treatment and the dosage of radiation received. This should be discussed throughly with your treating physician.
Treatment With Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Stereotactic radiosurgery is not for all patients. In some cases, stereotactic radiosurgery may be a secondary course of treatment. In other cases where cells grow quickly, stereotactic radiosurgery can control the growth of brain tumors to allow time to treat the primary cancer site.
Previous Radiation:
Stereotactic radiosurgery may be used in combination with other treatments, and does not limit a patient from having open skull surgery after the procedure.Stereotactic radiosurgery is appropriate for patients who:
- Have received previous radiation
- Have received the maximum radiation dose permissible of whole brain radiation
- Require multiple treatments in addition to stereotactic radiosurgery
A radiation oncologist will advise you on the appropriateness of using stereotactic radiosurgery.