Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy radiation to damage the DNA of cells. While it is primarily used to target cancer cells, this method can also effectively treat benign conditions by controlling abnormal cell growth and reducing inflammation. The precision of modern radiation therapy ensures that healthy tissues surrounding the treatment area are minimally affected, enhancing the safety and efficacy of the procedure.

At Cancer Care Northwest, our expertly trained Radiation Oncologists specialize in the use of radiation therapy for the management of the following non-cancerous medical conditions:

• Bursitis – Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles, often causing pain and restricted movement. Radiation therapy treats bursitis by reducing inflammation and pain through targeted low-dose radiation, which helps to manage symptoms when other treatments are ineffective.
• Dupuytren’s Contracture - Dupuytren's contracture is a condition where the connective tissue under the skin of the palm thickens and forms nodules and cords. These cords may gradually contract, pulling one or more fingers into a bent position, limiting hand function. Low-dose radiation can be used to target the abnormal tissue in the palm with, which helps to soften and reduce the thickened cords that cause finger contractures. This treatment is often considered when surgery is not an option or when the condition has a high likelihood of recurrence after surgery.
• Gynecomastia - Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in males, often caused by hormonal imbalances, medications, or certain health conditions. It can affect one or both breasts and may be accompanied by tenderness or discomfort. Radiation therapy can be used to reduce breast tissue growth and alleviate associated pain, particularly in cases related to prostate cancer treatment.
• Heterotopic Ossification - Heterotopic ossification is the abnormal growth of bone tissue in non-skeletal areas like muscles, tendons, or other soft tissues. This condition often occurs after trauma, surgery, or neurological injuries, leading to pain, stiffness, and restricted movement in the affected area. Radiation therapy may be used to inhibit abnormal bone formation in soft tissues, particularly after traumatic injuries or surgeries.
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa - Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin condition characterized by painful, inflamed nodules and abscesses in areas with sweat glands, such as the armpits and groin, often leading to scarring and sinus tract formation. Radiation therapy can target and reduce chronic inflammation and lesions in the affected sweat glands, to promote healing and symptom relief.
• Keloid - A keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue that forms at the site of a skin injury or surgical incision. Unlike normal scars, keloids extend beyond the original wound area and can be raised, itchy, and sometimes painful. Radiation therapy can reduce the size and prevent recurrence of abnormal scar tissue by disrupting the cells responsible for excessive collagen production, which helps to flatten and soften the keloid over time.
• Lateral Epicondylitis - Commonly known as tennis elbow, lateral epicondylitis is a condition marked by pain and inflammation on the outer side of the elbow caused by overuse or repetitive strain on the tendons of the forearm muscles. By delivering low-dose radiation to the affected area, you can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
• Ledderhose Disease - Ledderhose disease, also known as plantar fibromatosis, is a rare disorder characterized by the growth of benign, fibrous nodules on the plantar fascia of the feet. This condition can cause pain and discomfort, often leading to difficulty walking or standing. Radiation therapy can reduce the size of fibrous nodules on the plantar fascia, thereby relieving pain and improving mobility in affected individuals.
• Medial Epicondylitis - Also known as golfer's elbow, medial epicondylitis is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow due to overuse or repetitive stress on the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the elbow. Low-dose radiation can be applied to the inflamed tendons, thereby reducing pain and inflammation.
• Orbital Pseudotumor - Orbital Pseudotumor is an inflammatory condition of the eye orbit that mimics a tumor, causing pain, swelling, and visual disturbances, but is not cancerous. By targeting the inflamed tissues around the eye with focused radiation, you can reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
• Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage that cushions the ends of bones. It commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility over time. Radiation therapy can target specific nerves that transmit pain signals from affected joints, providing relief. It is used in cases where other treatments have not been effective in controlling pain and improving quality of life.
• Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis (PVNS) - Pigmented villonodular synovitis is a rare, benign condition characterized by the overgrowth of the joint lining, leading to swelling, pain, and joint damage. Radiation therapy treats pigmented villonodular synovitis by applying targeted radiation to the affected joint, which helps reduce the abnormal tissue growth and associated inflammation.
• Plantar Fasciitis - Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, becomes inflamed. It typically causes stabbing pain near the heel that is most noticeable in the morning or after periods of rest. Low-dose radiation can be used to target the inflamed tissue in the heel with, which may reduce pain and inflammation. This approach is considered when conservative treatments like stretching, orthotics, and physical therapy have not provided adequate relief.
• Planter Warts - Plantar warts are small, rough growths that appear on the soles of the feet, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts can be painful, especially when walking or standing, and often develop in areas of pressure or friction. Superficial radiotherapy can be used as an alternative noninvasive treatment option in treating stubborn plantar warts.
• Tendinitis - The inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick cord that attaches muscle to bone, often resulting in pain and tenderness near the affected joint. Radiation therapy treats tendinitis by delivering low-dose radiation to the inflamed tendon, reducing pain and swelling.
• Tremors - Tremors are involuntary, rhythmic muscle movements that can cause shaking or oscillation, often affecting the hands, arms, or other parts of the body. Radiation therapy can be used to manage Essential Tremors, Parkinson's Disease-Related Tremors, and Multiple Sclerosis-Related Tremors. Radiation therapy can treat tremors by targeting specific brain regions responsible for the tremors, thereby reducing their frequency and severity.

Radiation therapy can be used to treat benign tumors by delivering precise doses of radiation to shrink the tumor and inhibit its growth while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Cancer Care Northwest Radiation Oncologists are trained in the use of radiation therapy for the management of the following non-cancerous tumors:

• Arteriovenous Malformations - Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal connections between arteries and veins that can cause serious health issues. Stereotactic radiosurgery, a type of radiation therapy, can be used to shrink AVMs, reducing the risk of bleeding and other complications.
• Craniopharyngioma - A rare, benign brain tumor that develops near the pituitary gland, often affecting hormone production and causing vision and growth issues.
• Desmoid Tumor - A rare, noncancerous growth arising from connective tissue, often aggressively invading surrounding tissues despite not metastasizing.
• Meningioma - A typically benign tumor that arises from the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and can cause neurological symptoms depending on its size and location.
• Paraganglioma - A rare, usually benign tumor that arises from the paraganglia, a collection of nerve cells that are part of the autonomic nervous system, often producing excessive hormones like adrenaline.
• Pituitary Adenoma - A generally benign tumor of the pituitary gland that can cause hormonal imbalances and symptoms depending on its size and the hormones it affects.
• Vestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma) - A benign tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, affecting balance and hearing.

• Non-Invasive Treatment: Radiation therapy is a non-invasive procedure, reducing the risk of complications associated with surgery.
• Precision and Control: Advanced radiation techniques allow for precise targeting of affected areas, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
• Reduced Recurrence: By effectively controlling abnormal cell growth, radiation therapy can prevent the recurrence of certain conditions.
• Improved Quality of Life: For conditions causing chronic pain or discomfort, radiation therapy can provide significant relief and improve overall quality of life.

While radiation therapy for benign conditions is generally safe, it is essential to consider potential side effects. These may include skin irritation, fatigue, and, in rare cases, the development of secondary malignancies. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits with a Cancer Care Northwest Radiation Oncologist to make an informed decision about their treatment options.