Does radiation oncology perform stereotactic radiosurgery?

Despite its name, it usually does not involve an incision. The team uses detailed imaging, specialised equipment, and precise positioning to direct radiation at a defined target. Other specialists may participate depending on the condition and body area.

Stereotactic radiosurgery, often shortened to SRS, concentrates radiation beams so they meet at the target while limiting exposure to surrounding tissue. It is commonly associated with targets in the brain or head. Suitability depends on the diagnosis, the target's size, shape and location, symptoms, previous treatments, and whether safe positioning can be achieved.

Share prior scans, treatment records, medicines, allergies, and information about implanted devices. Planning generally uses detailed imaging and a fitted mask or another stabilising system. Follow instructions about food, medicines, hair or skin products, and transport. Tell staff if you are pregnant or could be pregnant, feel claustrophobic, or cannot lie still because of pain, coughing, or movement symptoms.

Call the treating team for a new headache, nausea, unusual tiredness, skin changes, or other symptoms listed in your discharge advice. Obtain urgent medical help for a seizure, sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, severe confusion, loss of consciousness, or a rapidly worsening headache with repeated vomiting. Sudden neurological symptoms require assessment and should not be saved for a routine follow-up visit.

Ask what the target is, why SRS is appropriate, how movement will be controlled, and which nearby structures influence planning. You may also want to discuss expected short-term effects, possible later effects, medicines needed around treatment, follow-up imaging, and the number to call if neurological symptoms develop.