Other Cancers
The NewYork-Presbyterian Department of Radiation Oncology treats a wide variety of less common adult and children's cancers as well as some benign conditions. These often require highly individualized treatment plans. Some less common cancers are listed below, however if you do not see a specific type or need further information on any types listed, please contact us and we would be glad to supply additional information.
Sarcoma, Lymphoma and Myeloma
Sarcomas are cancers of the bone, muscle or other connective tissues. There are 2 main types of sarcoma: osteosarcoma, which develops from bone, and soft tissue sarcomas. Most develop in the arms or legs however they can develop in any part of the body.
Lymphomas are cancers that arise from the lymph nodes which are part of our immune system. Since lymph tissue is found throughout the body, lymphomas can be found almost anywhere in the body.
Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, which are found in bone marrow. When these cells grow out of control, they can form a tumor within a bone.
Sarcoma, lymphoma and myeloma are treated using a type of radiation called external beam radiation. External beam radiation is the most common form of radiotherapy. It uses a linear accelerator to aim a beam of radiation at the cancerous tissue. Each treatment lasts a few minutes and is administered over a period of 3-7 weeks, five days a week. There is no discomfort during the actual radiation treatment. Our radiation oncologist often works closely with a medical oncologist and other cancer specialists to coordinate all the aspects of the treatment.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a cancer that is produced when blood-forming cells in the bone marrow grow uncontrollably. A bone marrow transplant is often the preferred method of treatment.
The NewYork-Presbyterian Radiation Oncology Department works closely with the NewYork-Presbyterian Bone Marrow Transplant Unit and performs a procedure called total body irradiation (TBI) as part of the transplant process. Before healthy bone marrow can be transplanted, the diseased bone marrow must first be suppressed. This is accomplished by using a high-energy x-ray beam—under exacting geometrical controls—to irradiate a patient's entire body. The radiation suppresses the diseased bone marrow allowing for the later transplant of healthy marrow.