Why might radiation be recommended instead of surgery or chemotherapy?
• Radiation is used for treatment in a specific area. • Radiation may be used if it will prevent removal of an organ or if surgery is not an option or if surgery will result in unnecessary disfigurement. • Radiation may be given if there is a risk that cancer cells may be left behind after surgery. • Chemotherapy travels throughout the whole body. It may be used if the patient has spread of cancer to other sites or if there is a risk of spread. • Chemotherapy is sometimes used to increase the effectiveness of radiation. • Combinations of radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy are very frequently used.
