3-D conformal radiation

Overview

One of many types of radiation therapy, 3-D conformal radiation is a technique that allows doctors to precisely direct radiation beams to conform to the shape of the tumor. Compared with traditional, 2-D radiation therapy, 3-D conformal radiation more precisely delivers radiation to cancer cells, while reducing the amount of radiation to healthy cells. This advanced form of radiation therapy is used to treat cancerous and noncancerous tumors throughout the body.

To prepare for 3-D conformal radiation, specialists use advanced technology to plot the path of multiple radiation beams that will be aimed at the tumor from different directions. During 3-D conformal radiation, the beams deliver a set treatment dose, which is spread around the surrounding normal tissue to minimize the dose to any one area.

Read more about radiation therapy.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for 3-D conformal radiation

• Teamwork. Mayo Clinic's highly trained radiation oncology treatment team includes radiation oncologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, radiation therapists, oncology nurses, dietitians, medical social workers, treatment planners (dosimetrists) and medical physicists. Your radiation oncology team works closely with medical oncologists, surgeons and other experts to coordinate the best care for you.
• Experience. Mayo Clinic radiation oncologists have experience planning and delivering 3-D conformal radiation treatment for many different types of cancer. Cancers that may benefit from 3-D conformal radiation treatment include those of the bladder, brain, breast, esophagus, liver, lung, lymphatic system, pancreas, rectum and stomach, among others.
• Latest technology. Mayo Clinic radiation oncologists have access to the latest in radiation treatment technology. More advanced forms of 3-D conformal radiation therapy, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy, adaptive radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery, are available at Mayo Clinic.
• Comprehensive cancer center. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, which recognizes scientific excellence and a multidisciplinary approach to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., and Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., are ranked high performing for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

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