Stereotactic radiosurgery

Abstract

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a way of treating brain disorders with a precise delivery of a single high dose of radiation in a one-day session. Treatment involves the use of focused radiation beams delivered to a specific area of the brain to treat abnormalities, tumors or other functional disorders. Body stereotactic radiosurgery does not exist because there is no way to immobilize the body to treat a tumor in one session the way the head can be secured. Fractionated stereotactic radiation treatments which are received over a period of days or weeks may be administered in the body with the assistance of removable masks and frames that achieve some degree of lesser mobilization. Stereotactic radiosurgery is limited to the head and neck as these areas can movement, permitting the most precise and accurate treatment.