Ionizing radiation for treatment of benign conditions

Ionizing radiation has been used much more frequently in the past than at the present in the treatment of benign conditions. As progress continued in the medical sciences, the use of radiotherapy narrowed considerably due to better understanding of the nature of ionizing radiation and its potential complications. Other agents have replaced ionizing radiation in some areas, but there are still conditions that benefit from this treatment. This article reviews the basic principles that should be observed in treating benign conditions with radiotherapy.