Overview
A type of radiation therapy, 3D conformal radiation often is used to treat cancer. Radiation therapy uses powerful energy beams to kill cancer cells. The energy can come from X-rays, protons or other sources. In 3D conformal radiation, the beams are carefully shaped to match the shape of the cancer.
In addition to treating cancer, 3D conformal radiation can be used to treat some tumors and conditions that aren't cancerous. It can be used anywhere in the body.
Why it's done
3D conformal radiation can be used to treat all types of cancer. It also can treat some tumors and conditions that are not cancerous. This type of radiation therapy is particularly useful for cancers and tumors located close to sensitive structures and organs. It can be helpful in areas that have been treated with radiation therapy before.
Since the invention of 3D conformal radiation, many other advanced radiation techniques have been developed. The radiation therapy team carefully considers each situation when choosing the type of radiation that's best to use. Whether you have 3D conformal radiation or another technique depends on the location of the cancer and which healthy tissues are nearby.
If you have concerns or questions about the type of radiation you'll receive, talk with your radiation therapy team.
Risks
As with most medical procedures, there are risks to 3D conformal radiation. The specific risks of this type of radiation therapy depend on which part of the body gets the radiation and how much is used.
| Part of body being treated |
Common side effects |
| Any part |
Hair loss at the treatment site that can be permanent, skin irritation at the treatment site, tiredness |
| Head and neck |
Dry mouth, thickened saliva, trouble swallowing, sore throat, changes in the way food tastes, mouth sores |
| Chest |
Trouble swallowing, cough, shortness of breath |
| Abdomen |
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea |
| Pelvis |
Diarrhea, bladder irritation, urinating often, sexual problems |
If you have side effects, they often can be managed during treatment. After treatment, most side effects go away.
Sometimes side effects happen after treatment. These are called late side effects. Very rarely, a new cancer may develop years or decades after cancer treatment. This cancer can be caused by radiation or other treatments. This is called a second primary cancer. Ask your healthcare professional about side effects that could happen after treatment, both short term and long term.
How you prepare
Preparing for 3D conformal radiation treatment might involve having imaging tests. These tests typically are computerized tomography, also called CT, or magnetic resonance imaging, also called MRI, scans.
The images from these tests are used to make detailed pictures of the area to be treated. Radiation therapy professionals use the pictures to plan the shape and path of the radiation beams. This planning allows high doses of radiation to be delivered to the target while lowering the amount of radiation that reaches healthy tissue.
What you can expect
During 3D conformal radiation treatment, the radiation is carefully focused on the specific shape and size of the cancer or tumor being treated.
Results
After 3D conformal radiation, you might meet with your healthcare team to check on the results of your treatment. You might have imaging tests to see if the cancer is shrinking. Sometimes the cancer responds to treatment right away. Other times, it may take weeks or months to see the treatment working. Ask your care team what you can expect.
Jan. 17, 2025