What To Expect
Radiation therapy treats a wide variety of cancers. It shrinks or eliminates tumors and can help cancer from reoccurring.
Read about what to expect during radiation.UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is part of the UPMC family.
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About 50% of people with cancer have some type of radiation during their cancer treatment. For most, it's on an outpatient basis.
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center radiation experts use the most advanced cancer treatments. And our nurse navigators are here for you and your loved ones from your first appointment on.
Radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy) kills cancer and shrinks tumors. It uses high-energy waves to damage the DNA of cancer cells. Your doctor may use it to shrink tumors to make surgery or chemo more effective.
Based on the type and stage of your cancer, radiation may be the only treatment you need.
We'll work with the rest of your care team to come up with the best treatment plan for you.
We offer radiation treatment for all types of cancers, including:
UPMC Hillman doctors use the latest technology to treat your cancer.
Our experts direct high doses of radiation to your tumor with precision. This means less damage to the nearby healthy tissue, vital when treating cancers in delicate parts of the body.
By damaging the DNA of cancer cells, advanced radiation cancer treatment kills or slows down their growth. As damaged cells die, the body breaks them down and removes them.
Our goal is to provide treatment while reducing side effects.
Treatments fall into one of three main types:
We offer the following Varian radiosurgery treatments:
Our team also offers you early access to some of the newest cancer clinical trials.
Your radiation doctor will design your treatment plan that will:
Radiation therapists at UPMC Hillman:
A nurse will meet you when you arrive at UPMC Hillman.
You'll then meet your radiation oncologist who will:
Don't be afraid to ask questions during your first visit. It's helpful to bring a friend or loved to the appointment to take notes.
Your second visit will simulate your planned treatment. You won't receive radiation treatment during this visit.
To plan your treatment, your doctor:
Your radiation therapist will:
How many radiation treatments you need will depend on your diagnosis.
Your ongoing treatments may take as little as 15 minutes over several weeks.
On treatment days, many people can go back to work and resume their normal routine.
Our treatment planning focuses on your health, safety, and comfort.
When you need radiation five days a week for a few weeks, having treatment close to home can make a difference. We provide radiation cancer treatment throughout Pennsylvania and in Cumberland, Md.
To learn more about radiation treatments or to make an appointment you can:
What To Expect
Radiation therapy treats a wide variety of cancers. It shrinks or eliminates tumors and can help cancer from reoccurring.
Read about what to expect during radiation.Diagnostic Services
Radiation oncologists use a variety of diagnostic and planning techniques to help plan the proper cancer treatment, including PET-CT, 4D CT scans and more.
Read about the diagnostic services we offer.Treatment Services
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center offers three modes of radiation oncology treatment: external beam radiation therapy, internal radiation therapy and radiosurgery.
Read about the treatment services we offer.