Radiotherapy in Kolkata, West Bengal
Uses high-energy radiation (external beam or internal) to destroy or shrink cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue, delivered over multiple sessi…
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What is Radiotherapy?
Uses high-energy radiation (external beam or internal) to destroy or shrink cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue, delivered over multiple sessions.
10–30 min per session (course over several weeks)
Immediate after each session; cumulative fatigue over the course
₹1,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 (full course)
None
85%
Outpatient
Why Radiotherapy Is Needed
Used to treat a wide range of cancers by destroying or shrinking malignant cells, either as a primary curative treatment, combined with surgery or chemotherapy, or to palliate symptoms like pain from advanced or metastatic disease. It's chosen when a tumor is sensitive to radiation and its location allows effective, safe targeting.
Signs You May Need Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is typically started after cancer diagnosis and staging rather than triggered by a specific symptom itself, though the tumor-related symptoms that led to diagnosis — such as a lump, localized pain, or abnormal bleeding — are what radiotherapy ultimately aims to control. Any new symptoms appearing during treatment should be reported promptly to the oncology team.
Types of Radiotherapy
External beam radiotherapy, delivered from outside the body, is the most common form, while internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy) places a radioactive source directly inside or next to the tumor for select cancers like cervical or prostate cancer. Advanced techniques like IMRT, SBRT, and IGRT further refine precision within external beam radiotherapy.
Hospitals offering Radiotherapy (0)
No hospitals listed yet for this procedure in Kolkata, West Bengal — check back soon or browse all hospitals.
Specialists offering Radiotherapy (0)
No specialists listed yet for this procedure in Kolkata, West Bengal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a course of radiotherapy last?
Depending on the cancer type and treatment goal, courses can range from a single session to daily treatments over several weeks; your radiation oncologist will detail the exact schedule.
Does radiotherapy make you radioactive?
No, external beam radiotherapy does not make you radioactive, and you can safely be around family, including children, after each session; internal radiotherapy has specific temporary precautions your team will explain.
What are the common side effects of radiotherapy?
Fatigue and localized skin reactions at the treatment site are the most common effects, with additional site-specific effects depending on which part of the body is treated.
Is radiotherapy a cure for cancer?
For many early-stage cancers, radiotherapy can be curative either alone or combined with surgery and chemotherapy, while in advanced cancers it's often used to control symptoms and slow progression; your oncologist can clarify the goal in your specific case.
Can I eat and drink normally during radiotherapy?
Most patients can eat normally, though maintaining good nutrition is especially important during treatment, and specific dietary guidance may be given if the treatment area involves the mouth, throat, or abdomen.