Stereotactic Radiosurgery
North Knoxville Medical Center offers stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to treat cancers of the brain as well as non-cranial lesions that require a high degree of precision, such as those in the lung and spine. North Knoxville Medical Center has the only full-body capable stereotactic radiosurgery units in the Knoxville region.
Despite its name, stereotactic radiosurgery is not surgery. It is a nonsurgical form of radiation therapy, which offers the advantages of surgery without being invasive. Using SRS, physicians are able to reach tumors deep inside the body without the risks of surgery. In addition, this technology helps to reduce radiation exposure to healthy tissue, which is especially important for areas like the brain and lungs.
SRS is delivered in a pleasant, comfortable suite combining a linear accelerator with patient positioning and alignment technologies. Daily treatment setup is accomplished using X-ray and cone-beam CT imaging. Typical treatment time ranges from 20 to 40 minutes with a course of 2 to 5 treatments.
SRS may be used to treat:
- Brain tumors
- Brain metastases
- Lung tumors
- Lung metastases
- Spine disorders
- Spinal tumors
Only your doctor can determine if stereotactic radiosurgery is right for you. Discuss the different treatment options with your physician, and ask him/her to present the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment option available to you. Treatment options may include:
- Surgery
- Whole brain radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Stereotactic radiosurgery
- Participation in clinical trials