Radiation Oncology

The specialty of medicine that uses high-energy ionizing radiation to treat malignant neoplasms and certain nonmalignant conditions Modalities, Teletherapy, brachytherapy, hyperthermia, and stereotactic radiation.

The study of the effects, both positive and negative of the effects of ionizing radiation on living tissues, of radiant energy forms on the human body, especially in regard to the treatment of cancer. Radiation is used in diagnosing disease through medical imaging, such as x-rays, as well as in treating disease with the use of radiation, such as external-beam radiotherapy. 

Protection of the patient and others from potentially harmful or excessive radiation; establishment of adequate protocols to ensure accurate patient dosimetry; the measurement and characterization of radiation; the determination of delivered dose; advancement of procedures necessary to ensure image quality; development and direction of quality assurance programs; and assistance to other health care professionals in optimizing the balance between the beneficial and deleterious effects of radiation.