The word “cancer” is distressing enough. Add “surgery” to it, and the fear multiplies.
For a wide range of cancers, radiation therapy offers a safe, targeted, and less invasive alternative to surgery. It is a powerful tool that not only treats cancer effectively but also helps patients preserve their quality of life.
In this blog, we will walk you through the key benefits of radiation therapy over surgery, when and why it is used. Know what to expect from the treatment process.
We will also share expert insight from Dr. Mukti Mukherjee, a highly respected radiation oncologist in Kolkata. She has helped countless patients choose treatment paths that suit both their medical needs and personal preferences.
Whether you have just been diagnosed or are weighing your treatment options, this guide will help you make a more informed, confident decision.
What is radiation therapy, and how does it work?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It is a local treatment, meaning it targets specific areas, unlike chemotherapy, which affects the entire body.
There are two main types:
- External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): Delivered from a machine that focuses beams on the cancer site
- Internal radiation (brachytherapy): Involves placing radioactive material inside the body, near the tumour
It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, stopping their ability to grow and divide.
Is radiation therapy better than surgery for cancer?
Not always, but often, yes.
Depending on the type, stage, and location of cancer, radiation can offer advantages over surgery. Here’s when it’s effective:
- Tumours in sensitive or hard-to-reach areas like the brain, prostate, cervix, throat, or spine
- Patients who are unfit for surgery due to age or other health issues
- Preserving organ function is a priority (e.g. voice, bowel, bladder)
- Post-surgical cleanup to destroy any remaining cancer cells
Dr. Mukti Mukherjee, an experienced radiation oncologist in Kolkata, often uses advanced imaging-guided techniques. This ensures precise targeting while minimising harm to healthy tissue.
What are the benefits of radiation therapy over surgery?
Let’s break down the core advantages of choosing radiation over surgery:
1. It’s non-invasive
- No incisions
- No hospitalisation in many cases
- Lower risk of infection or surgical complications
2. Preserves healthy tissue
Radiation is highly targeted, which means:
- Minimal damage to surrounding healthy cells
- Better preservation of organ function
3. Faster recovery time
- Most people continue normal activities during treatment
- Recovery is gradual and doesn’t require rest like post-surgical healing
4. Less physical trauma
- No need for general anaesthesia
- Especially helpful for older patients or those with comorbidities
5. Effective for multiple cancer types
Radiation works well for:
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Brain tumours (some)
- Cervical and uterine cancer
- Lung and rectal cancer
6. Can be combined with other treatments
Radiation often complements:
- Chemotherapy (chemoradiation)
- Surgery (as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy)
- Immunotherapy
This multi-modal approach improves results in many cancers.
What types of cancer are commonly treated with radiation instead of surgery?
Some cancers respond especially well to radiation alone or with minimal surgical intervention. These include:
- Prostate cancer: Where preserving urinary and sexual function is crucial
- Cervix cancer: Where radiation can be more effective than surgery in advanced stages
- Laryngeal and throat cancers: To avoid voice box removal
- Brain tumours (Some): Where surgery poses high risks
- Lung cancer: When tumours are inoperable or the patient is unfit for surgery
- Urinary bladder: If a patient is not suitable for radical cystectomy (removal of the bladder), radiation becomes the safer alternative.
In such cases, Dr. Mukti Mukherjee, a leading radiation oncologist in Kolkata, carefully plans radiation doses using modern technology such as IMRT and SBRT. These treatments deliver precision treatment with fewer side effects.
Are there side effects of radiation therapy?
Yes, but they are often milder than surgical side effects and are manageable with proper care. Common ones include:
- Fatigue
- Skin changes in the treated area
- Temporary swelling or discomfort
- Mild digestive or urinary issues, depending on the treatment site
Radiation therapy has become far more refined over the years, thanks to advancements in planning, imaging, and delivery techniques.
What are the long-term outcomes of radiation therapy?
Long-term outcomes vary based on:
- Cancer type and stage
- Overall health of the patient
- Response to treatment
But in many cases, radiation offers:
- Comparable survival rates to surgery
- Good quality of life post-treatment
- Fewer long-term complications in certain cancer types
Regular follow-ups, imaging, and blood tests help ensure the cancer doesn’t return and any late side effects are detected early.
How is radiation therapy personalised for each patient?
Radiation is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Personalised care is essential.
Steps typically include:
- Initial consultation and imaging to assess the tumour
- Treatment planning using software that maps out dose, angles, and duration
- Simulation session to mark the exact area of treatment
- Daily treatments (fractions) usually over a few weeks
Dr. Mukti Mukherjee ensures that each patient’s radiation plan is customised based on the cancer type, tumour size, and the patient’s comfort, making her a trusted radiation oncologist in Kolkata for comprehensive care.
When is surgery still the better option?
While radiation has many advantages, surgery may be more appropriate in cases such as:
- Cancers with large, localised masses that can be removed cleanly
- Situations where immediate tissue removal is urgent
- Some early-stage cancers with excellent surgical outcomes
- When a biopsy confirms a tumour that does not respond well to radiation
Often, the best outcomes come from combining both treatments strategically. To know more, you can consult Dr. Mukti Mukherjee, a reputed radiation oncologist in Kolkata.
How do you decide between radiation and surgery?
Choosing between surgery and radiation involves:
- Tumour location and size
- Stage and grade of cancer
- Overall health and lifestyle of the patient
- Expected outcomes and side effects
- Patient preference
Having an open discussion with the oncologist can help you weigh the pros and cons. Getting a second opinion from a radiation oncologist is also wise.
The role of a radiation oncologist in cancer care
A radiation oncologist is not just someone who operates machines. Their role includes:
- Evaluating whether radiation is suitable
- Designing and managing the full course of treatment
- Monitoring patient health throughout
- Making changes to improve results or minimise side effects
Dr. Mukti Mukherjee, a highly regarded radiation oncologist in Kolkata, is known for her patient-focused approach and personalised treatment planning. She is also committed to providing care that balances results with long-term well-being.
Get the Right Guidance Before Choosing Surgery
Surgery is not your only option, and often, it is not your best one. Radiation therapy offers a safe, effective, and less invasive alternative that suits many cancer types and patient profiles.
Whether you have just been diagnosed or are exploring second opinions, it is important to have a thorough conversation with a radiation expert.
If you are exploring treatment options and want to know if radiation therapy is right for you, don’t make that decision alone. Consult with a radiation oncologist to gain clarity, confidence, and a treatment plan.
Schedule an Appointment with a Leading Cancer Doctor
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Mukti Mukherjee, a leading radiation oncologist in Kolkata, and receive expert advice on personalised, evidence-based cancer care.