Radiation oncology is the discipline that examines, through the use of ionizing radiation, the effects of radiation on the cancer, the behavior of tumors and also covers research in this field. Radiation oncology has two areas of application: Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery.

Radiotherapy is defined as the treatment of the cancerous tissue or of some non-malignant tumors with radiation. It is also colloquially referred to as "radiation therapy" or "x-ray therapy". The beams used in radiotherapy aim to stop cancerous cells from growing or to kill them.

Curative Radiotherapy: In light of available information about the disease, it is applied in cases where the disease can be completely treated. It can be applied alone or with surgery and/or chemotherapy.

Palliative Radiotherapy: Applied in cases where it is impossible to completely destroy the disease. The goal is to prevent and relieve suffering and to improve quality of life for people facing serious, complex illness.

2000 - 3000 $