Comprehensive Hematology Oncology
Radiation Oncology Tampa, FL
Facing cancer is never easy. It brings with it a flood of emotions, questions, and uncertainty. But with the right medical team beside you, this journey can become clearer and more manageable. At Comprehensive Hematology Oncology, we provide advanced and compassionate care in Radiation Oncology Tampa, FL, helping patients receive the treatment they need in a setting that feels safe, supportive, and focused on healing.
One of the best cancer treatments available now is radiation oncology. It uses powerful energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells, often without affecting the healthy tissues around them. This type of treatment can be used alone or in combination with other methods like chemotherapy or surgery, depending on the type of cancer and the stage of the disease.
What is Radiation Oncology?
Radiation oncology is one of the medical specialties that assists in the treatment of cancer through the use of strong energy called radiation. It could be in the form of powerful X-rays or other powerful particles. The purpose is to prevent cancer cells from growing or kill them entirely.
There are two general methods by which this treatment is administered:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy – This is the most used. An outside machine is placed on your body and it radiates beams to the area where the cancer is.
- Internal Radiation Therapy (also referred to as Brachytherapy) – With this type, a tiny source of radiation is put inside your body, near the tumor.
Radiation kills the inside (DNA) of the cancer cells. Once the cells are killed, they can no longer grow or reproduce. Gradually, killed cancer cells die and your body removes them.
Who May Be Helped by Radiation Oncology?
Radiation treatment is a treatment method that can cure most types of cancer. It can benefit patients with:
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lung cancer
- Brain tumors
- Head and neck cancers
- Cervical or uterine cancer
- Skin cancer
Radiation is used in various situations. It can be administered after surgery to destroy current cancer cells. For other cases, radiation is used prior to surgery to make the tumor smaller to enable earlier removal. In certain situations, radiation will palliate side effects such as pain or bleeding, primarily in advanced cancer.
We take a thorough look at each individual’s case at Comprehensive Hematology Oncology. We create a treatment plan specific to your condition, needs, and lifestyle. We’re here to support you every step of the way, whether the goal is to heal the cancer or to get you feeling better and more comfortable.
What to Expect During Radiation Treatment
Beginning radiation therapy can be intimidating, but understanding what is done step by step can make it less overwhelming. Below is a step-by-step description:
1. Meeting the Doctor and Making a Plan
Before your treatment is begun, you will meet with a special physician who is called a radiation oncologist. This physician has been trained to treat cancer with the use of radiation. At this visit, the physician will go over your reports, scans, and test results.
Then you will go through a planning session. This is referred to as a simulation. In the meantime, the care team will take X-rays of your body with machines such as a CT scanner. These X-rays allow the doctor to know precisely where radiation must be focused. They, in turn, create a treatment plan specifically for you so the radiation can focus on the proper area.
2. Getting the Radiation Treatment
The radiation is administered most often five times a week, for a series of weeks. Each time, however, takes only a couple of minutes. But you may have to allow a little more time to prepare.
During the treatment, you’ll be lying down and remain perfectly still. The machine will deliver the radiation into the area that requires it. It doesn’t hurt and the machine never touches you. There are no incisions and it’s not surgery.
3. Side Effects You Might Experience
There are side effects to radiation from some people, though not everyone. Side effects depend on the location of the body being irradiated. Feeling weak, developing red or itchy skin, or hair loss in the treated area are some general side effects.
Some individuals might also experience tenderness at the location where radiation is administered. These side effects will pass once treatment ceases. The care professionals will always make you feel better and guide you if there are any side effects.
Personalized Radiation Oncology at Comprehensive Hematology Oncology
At Comprehensive Hematology Oncology, we recognize that every patient is unique. That is why we do not treat everyone with the same strategy. Our radiation oncologists spend time listening to each patient’s medical history, daily habits, personal goals, and concerns before selecting the most appropriate treatment.
At the core of our Radiation Oncology Tampa FL treatment is a solid commitment to the entire person. We treat more than just the cancer. We also address the emotional and mental stress that so often accompanies it. We listen closely, we explain understandably, and we guide our patients through every step.
Our clinic is designed so that our patients are at ease and treated. It is a peaceful and friendly environment. Our personnel hear sympathetically and strive to make each visit as stress-free as possible. We treat our patients from the time they are diagnosed through the end of their healing.
Our clinic is designed to provide patients with the comfort and care they need. The environment is peaceful and hospitable. Our team listens kindly and does everything possible to make each visit as worry-free as possible. We care for our patients from the point of diagnosis through to the end of recovery.
Team-Based Care for Better Results
When combined with other treatments like immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or surgery, radiation therapy works better. That is why our clinic collaborates with a full team of specialists who function as a team and coordinate your care.
Our care team consists of:
- Radiation oncologists
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation therapists and nurses
- Counselors and nutritionists
- Emotional and daily support staff
This team of individuals works together as a close-knit group to provide you with the highest quality care. We meet regularly to discuss your progress to discuss any changes to your treatment that need to be made and to ensure that everything is progressing well. You will be receiving thoroughly planned, fully coordinated care at all times.
Helping You Stay Strong During Treatment
Radiation therapy will at times tire or make you ill, but it should not disrupt your life. Most can work, pursue hobbies, and spend time with friends and family and receive treatment. We always suggest that patients become as active as possible and seek assistance when necessary.
We have help available here in our clinic to help you make your process easier. Some of the helpful services that we provide are:
- Simple eating well tips to support energy and appetite
- Emotional support by speaking with a counselor or by group discussion
- Simple appointment scheduling and assistance in coming into the clinic
- Regular contact to see how you are doing during treatment
We also understand how precious your caregivers and family are to you now. They are encouraged to join your care team. They can sit in on sessions, ask questions, and express concerns they might have.
We will be here with you every step of the way.
Remaining Positive and Centered on Recovery
Having cancer can change your life, but there is hope. Radiation therapy has greatly improved today. It’s more accurate and stronger than before. With proper treatment and care, many people have active and healthy lives after cancer.
Having a positive attitude, informed about your treatment, and being in touch with your physicians can give you more confidence. We always make our Comprehensive Hematology Oncology accessible to our patients. When they need it most, we offer clarity and strength.
From the first time you come to us to your final treatment, we will care and take care of you step by step. Be it from zero, or you have a tough case of cancer, we will always do our best with love and care.
Conclusion
Selecting the best cancer treatment is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. At Comprehensive Hematology Oncology, we are proud to provide Radiation Oncology Tampa FL care with state-of-the-art medical technology and compassionate care.
Our primary objective is to empower each patient to feel informed, comforted, and assured for their treatment period. Should you or a loved one receive a cancer diagnosis and be considering radiation therapy, we can assist you. You may contact us at any moment to learn more, ask questions, or schedule an appointment.
We stand ready to accompany you in this journey with empathy, understanding, and hope.