US Medical Term · procedures
Radiation Therapy
Radioterapia
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Radiation Therapy |
| Spanish (Español) | Radioterapia |
| Chinese (中文) | 放射治療 |
| Korean (한국어) | 방사선 치료 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Xạ trị |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Radiation therapy |
| Portuguese (Português) | Radioterapia |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | รังสีรักษา |
| Japanese (日本語) | 放射線療法 |
What it means
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams — such as X-rays or protons — to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors. A machine directs the beams precisely at the affected area while you lie still on a table. Most sessions last only a few minutes and are painless, though you may have several sessions per week over multiple weeks. Side effects depend on the body area treated and can include skin irritation, fatigue, or localized discomfort. Radiation may be used alone, before surgery to shrink a tumor, or after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My doctor ordered radiation therapy following my cancer surgery.
Mi médico ordenó radioterapia después de mi cirugía de cáncer.
How many radiation therapy sessions will my plan authorize?
¿Cuántas sesiones de radioterapia autorizará mi plan?
I am currently undergoing daily radiation therapy at a cancer center.
Actualmente estoy recibiendo radioterapia diaria en un centro oncológico.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026