Radiation Oncology

World-Class Treatment

The Department of Radiation Oncology at Torrance Memorial integrates seamlessly with your overall cancer treatment team. Staffed with board-certified radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, a dietician and registered nurses, the unit aids patients in eliminating or halting the progress of cancer. Ongoing coordination between team members in the department and with your other physicians ensures the continuity of your care.

Torrance Memorial delivers world-class radiation treatments with empathy and individualized attention to you or your loved one. Radiation therapy is highly effective in treating many types of cancer and plays a role in the treatment plan of approximately half of all cancer patients.

Treating your cancer with state-of-the-art technology is only one aspect of the care offered by Torrance Memorial. The cancer treatment team is not only highly experienced in fighting disease, but is also dedicated to supporting you in regaining health of body and mind.

Of the over 500 patients treated each year in radiation oncology, many require daily treatments over the course of several weeks. Torrance Memorial gives South Bay patients access to advanced treatment close to home - easing the burden, allowing time and energy to heal.

How Radiation Therapy Works

All patients of Torrance Memorial undergo a four-part treatment process consisting of a consultation visit, a planning process using sofisticated imaging and computer software, a series of individualized radiation treatments, and follow-up appointments with the Radiation Oncologist to assure recovery.

Radiation therapy uses the same photon beam employed in chest x-rays or CT scans, but at a much higher rate of energy and focused on the specific site of the cancer. Healthy cells can repair themselves from the DNA breaks created by radiation at a much faster rate than tumor cells following treatment. Taking advantage of this difference in cell repair is how radiation therapy eliminates or slows the growth of a tumor.

External radiation is a short outpatient procedure - typically the daily visits are 20 minutes or less. The time of the treatment procedure is about 10 minutes, with the "beam-on" time of active treatment at around two minutes.  Your physician tailors the length and complexity of the treatment to your needs.

Side effects from radiation therapy vary by patient, by the specific type of treatment and by the area of the body receiving radiation. Some factors influencing the impact of negative side effects include which body structures are included in the radiation field, the dose of radiation required and the pre-existing physical health of the patient prior to treatment. A radiation oncologist, nurse, radiation therapist and dietician will all consult with each patient in regards to likely side effects of their treatment and how best to manage these side effects.

Location and Hours

The Radiation Oncology department at Torrance Memorial Medical Center is located on the basement level of the Outpatient Center. The entrance is under the bridge crossing Medical Center Drive to the West Tower. The closest parking is in the West Parking Structure.  To view the departmental brochure, click here.

For emergencies, always dial 911.

The physicians may also be contacted through the Medical Center operator 310-325-9110 for after-hours emergencies.

Resources

• RTanswers.org
• RTanswers.org What To Expect Video

Disclaimer

The Department of Radiation Oncology web page is designed for educational purposes only and is not for the purpose of rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. Any specific questions you may have regarding an individual's medical condition, including concerns you may have related to radiation therapy, should be directed to the individual's primary care physician or other attending physician. In addition, if you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.