Stereotactic radiosurgery
Definition
Stereotactic radiosurgery is a form of radiation therapy that focuses high-powered x-rays on a small area of the body. With regular radiation therapy treatment, healthy tissue that is nearby also receives radiation. Stereotactic radiosurgery better focuses the radiation on the abnormal area.
Despite its name, it is considered a form of radiation therapy, not a surgical procedure.
Alternative Names
Gamma knife; Cyberknife; Stereotactic radiotherapy; Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy; Cyclotrons; Linear accelerator; Lineacs; Proton beam radiosurgery
Description
During treatment, you will lie on a table, which slides into a machine that delivers radiation beams. The machine may rotate around you while it works.
Sometimes, a head frame may be attached to your scalp to keep you very still during therapy. There are different machines used to perform stereotactic radiosurgery. Some require the use of a frame, and others do not.
At other times, a special plastic mask fitted for your face may be used.
- You may need small pins or anchors that go through your skin but not into your skull or bone. If this is done the area will be cleaned, your skin will be numbed and you may be given medicine to help you relax. Even so, you will be awake and able to talk.
- An MRI, MR angiography, or CT scan is then done to help plan the procedure. You will wait while your doctor reviews the results and plans your treatment.
- During the actual treatment, you will be alone in the room. The nurses and doctors will be able to see you and talk with you.
The entire procedure, including the planning stage, takes about half a day or less. The time period when you are receiving the radiation is usually only about 30 minutes. Some patients receive therapy more than once.
Risks
Radiosurgery may damage tissue around the area being treated. Brain swelling may occur in people who received treatment to the brain. Swelling usually goes away, but some people may need medicine to control long-term swelling.
Reviewed By: Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
