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Radiology Oncology
Overview
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Radiation therapy employs high-powered beams of energy, such as X-rays, or localized radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells. Oncologists employ radiation therapy in a variety of situations, depending on the type of cancer, its size and rate of spread, and other treatments employed. Sometimes, radiation is the primary treatment, in particular when the cancer is small, localized, and slow growing. Other times, radiation is used to shrink a tumor so that surgery can be more successful. Oncologists employ radiation therapy after surgery in other cases to kill any remaining cancer cells at the surgical site.
The Lakeshore Area Radiation Oncology Center is a cooperative effort of Holland, North Ottawa and Spectrum designed to serve lakeshore area residents.
Radiation therapies available through Lakeshore Area Radiation Oncology Center include:
  • External beam radiation—This is the most common type of radiation therapy used for cancer treatment. Much like a X-ray, the procedure is completely painless. A large machine aims the energy beams at the affected area, and each treatment lasts only a few minutes. Radiation therapy is typically given 5 days a week for five to six weeks.
  • Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
  • Image Guided Radiation Therapy
  • 4D respiratory gated treatment
  • Onboard Imaging (OBI)
  • Brachytherapy—Also known as internal radiation or implant therapy, this type of radiation therapy is performed by placing radioactive seeds or pellets into the tissues around the cancer. It may be used alone or in conjunction with external beam radiation.
Sometime CAT scans (CTs) will be needed before the first treatment begins. The radiation oncologist, nurse or radiation therapist will explain each step in the process and answer any questions. Once treatment begins, each treatment is painless and lasts only a few minutes. Generally sessions are scheduled at the same time and same day(s).

Side Effects
Common side effects of radiation therapy may include:
  • fatigue
  • red, sunburn-like rash
  • minor swelling.
Rare side effects of radiation therapy may include:
  • arm swelling (lymphedema)
  • broken ribs
  • damage to the lungs or nerves
Lakeshore Area Radiation Oncology Center (LAROC)
The Lakeshore Area Radiation Oncology Center is a cooperative effort of Holland, North Ottawa and Spectrum designed to serve lakeshore area residents. LAROC is a comprehensive outpatient radiation therapy treatment center.

Your referring physician office will arrange an appointment for you at LAROC. Upon arrival an administrative staff will assist with registration followed by an oncology nurse assessment. The radiation oncologist will then meet with you for an exam and discussion of potential radiation treatment. The visit will take about 1 ½ hours. 
Lakeshore Area Radiation Oncology Center
12642 Riley Street
Holland, Michigan 49424
Phone: (616) 355-5330