EXPERT
Dr. Rajiv Dahiya, M.D.
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Dahiya is a renowned radiation oncologist within the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX area and an expert in radiation therapy for prostate cancers. His practice focuses entirely on the treatment of prostate cancer allowing him to continue to develop ongoing subject matter expertise within a single disease state. Using advanced IMRT and image guidance technologies, he helps to customize the treatment plan for each patient ensuring a focus on improving control rates and minimizing side effects. Dr. Dahiya has published extensively and holds many awards.
30 years
Experience
Dr. Rajiv Dahiya, M.D.
- Trophy Club, TX
- UMKC School of Medicine
- Accepting new patients
Radiation Therapy vs. Surgery for Prostate Cancer
When it comes to treating prostate cancer, there are two main options: radiation therapy and surgery. Both of these treatments can be effective at removing or destroying cancer...
Genetics and Prostate Cancer - What's The Connection?
Prostate cancer is a complex and multifactorial disease with a strong genetic component. Genetic mutations and pathways are known to play a role in the development and progression...
Vitamins and Supplements for Prostate Health
Prostate health is an important concern for men, especially as they age. While diet and lifestyle changes can play a significant role in maintaining prostate health, many men...
Advances in Radiation for Prostate Cancer
Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that uses high-energy radiation to treat cancer. Over the past 30 years, there have been significant advances in radiation oncology,...
Radiating Hope: Success of Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Radiation Therapy: A Brief OverviewProstate cancer is the second most common cancer among men worldwide. With an ever-evolving landscape of treatment options, radiation therapy...
Advances in Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
As life expectancy in most developed countries continues to improve the incidence of prostate cancer continues to rise. In the U. S. alone a staggering nearly 250,000 men are...
Advances in Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
As life expectancy in most developed countries continues to improve the incidence of prostate cancer continues to rise. In the U. S. alone a staggering nearly 250,000 men are...
My risk of death from prostate cancer?
The good news is that prostate cancer has good outcomes with or without treatment. As long as the disease remains local, it is unlikely to result in a patient's death. As it READ MORE
The good news is that prostate cancer has good outcomes with or without treatment. As long as the disease remains local, it is unlikely to result in a patient's death. As it becomes more advanced or metastatic survival outcomes can certainly be impacted. There are a number of additional factors which should be considered including the pathology, Gleason score and metastatic tests.
Is radiation therapy painful?
Radiation therapy itself is painless. It consists of invisible energy that is directed at a cellular level to kill cancer cells. Occasionally, it can result in a skin reaction READ MORE
Radiation therapy itself is painless. It consists of invisible energy that is directed at a cellular level to kill cancer cells. Occasionally, it can result in a skin reaction to the treated area which can be painful. This is typically treated with topical creams and mild analgesics. Talk to your radiation oncology team for more information.
What is the success rate for radiation on cancer?
Radiation therapy can be very successful for the treatment of many types of cancers. It is not uncommon to achieve cure rates that exceed 90% for cancers detected early. There READ MORE
Radiation therapy can be very successful for the treatment of many types of cancers. It is not uncommon to achieve cure rates that exceed 90% for cancers detected early. There are a number of variables that must be accounted for when evaluating success rates which include the stage of the cancer as well as tumor type, histology and co-morbidities.
How soon would I experience side effects after starting radiation therapy?
The timing for side effects after radiation can vary greatly from patient to patient. There are a number of variables involved here that include other pre-existing illnesses, READ MORE
The timing for side effects after radiation can vary greatly from patient to patient. There are a number of variables involved here that include other pre-existing illnesses, skin type, prior chemotherapy, radiation dosage and length of treatment.
Is a whole body PET scan essential for diagnosing the spread of tongue cancer?
A whole body Positron Emission Tomography (PET) can be very helpful to screen the body for increased hypermetabolic activity. When we see this it can indicate inflammatory conditions READ MORE
A whole body Positron Emission Tomography (PET) can be very helpful to screen the body for increased hypermetabolic activity. When we see this it can indicate inflammatory conditions such as cancer. In addition, the scan uses CT scan imaging simultaneously to evaluate solid organs such as lungs, liver and so on as well. It is a very useful tool.
The color and shape of a mole on my leg have changed. Should I be concerned?
Any changes you notice in the shape, color or texture of a mole should be further evaluated by your dermatologist. Changes do not always indicate a cancerous process however, READ MORE
Any changes you notice in the shape, color or texture of a mole should be further evaluated by your dermatologist. Changes do not always indicate a cancerous process however, sometimes warrant a biopsy.
Will someone need to drive me home after radiation therapy?
The vast majority of patients are able to drive themselves back and forth from their treatments. Radiation is designed to be a friendly outpatient experience without minimal disruption READ MORE
The vast majority of patients are able to drive themselves back and forth from their treatments. Radiation is designed to be a friendly outpatient experience without minimal disruption in your day to day life.
How long will a prostate CT scan take?
A CT scan of the prostate is typically used for the radiation treatment setup. This process is known as a simulation and will be used by your radiation oncology team for treatment READ MORE
A CT scan of the prostate is typically used for the radiation treatment setup. This process is known as a simulation and will be used by your radiation oncology team for treatment planning. This scan typically takes only a few minutes and we recommend that patients set aside 15-30 minutes for the entire process.
How long is radiation treatment for stomach cancer?
The typical course is approximately 4-6 weeks.
Are you awake during radiation therapy?
Getting radiation is similar to having an x-ray. There is no sensation, injections or feeling from the treatment itself. You simply lie still for a few minutes and a computer READ MORE
Getting radiation is similar to having an x-ray. There is no sensation, injections or feeling from the treatment itself. You simply lie still for a few minutes and a computer driven machine will deliver the therapy painlessly.
Does radiotherapy make your bones ache?
Radiation therapy is a very powerful anti-inflammatory therapy. It typically relieves bone pain in most cases. On occasion, bone pain can be seen especially if areas of bone READ MORE
Radiation therapy is a very powerful anti-inflammatory therapy. It typically relieves bone pain in most cases. On occasion, bone pain can be seen especially if areas of bone marrow were involved in the treatment and these regions are regrowing.
What about radiation tests?
There are many different types of tests which can be used to detect if the cancer has metastasized or spread. They include Bone Scans (to survey the skeleton), CT scans (to evaluate READ MORE
There are many different types of tests which can be used to detect if the cancer has metastasized or spread. They include Bone Scans (to survey the skeleton), CT scans (to evaluate solid organs) and PET scans (to look for increased blood flow or hypermetabolic activity) throughout the body. These are all standard of care diagnostic tests and considered very safe.
Why does my dentist need to know if I've had radiation therapy?
Prior radiation to the head and neck area is an important when seeing your dentist. Your dentist will want to ensure that any dental procedures that are required are outside the READ MORE
Prior radiation to the head and neck area is an important when seeing your dentist. Your dentist will want to ensure that any dental procedures that are required are outside the treated area. If there are teeth within the previously treated area, he or she may approach it more cautiously as healing can be impaired.
How long can you live with palliative radiotherapy?
Depending on the type of cancer, time to metastases, burden of disease and other co-existing illnesses this can vary greatly. Patients with localized disease that is palliated READ MORE
Depending on the type of cancer, time to metastases, burden of disease and other co-existing illnesses this can vary greatly. Patients with localized disease that is palliated can live for a long time if these factors are kept in check. Other factors include additional medication therapy such as hormones, chemotherapy, targeted molecular therapies and so forth.
How long after radiation do you start to feel better?
The vast majority of my patients with prostate cancer typically begin feeling better within 1-2 weeks of completing radiation therapy.
How long is radiation treatment for rectal cancer?
Most courses last for 4-6 weeks on average.
How long is a radiation treatment for breast cancer?
There are a number of accepted standard of care regimens for radiation treatment for breast cancers. Treatments can last from 3-7 weeks depending on the specific regimen. Treatments READ MORE
There are a number of accepted standard of care regimens for radiation treatment for breast cancers. Treatments can last from 3-7 weeks depending on the specific regimen. Treatments are typically given 5 days per week during that time. Also, depending on the type of breast cancer some patients may be eligible for local (brachytherapy) which can be even shorter in duration. Side effects of the various regimens are typically about the same but can vary based on concurrent medical problems, size of breast tissue, type of prior surgery performed and so on. Your radiation oncologist will assess which one is right for you.
Is radiotherapy for prostate cancer painful?
Radiation therapy itself is painless. It does not use heat or generate temperature change and there is no physical sensation during an actual radiation treatment. After a few READ MORE
Radiation therapy itself is painless. It does not use heat or generate temperature change and there is no physical sensation during an actual radiation treatment. After a few weeks some men may experience some increased urinary frequency, urgency and occasional burning upon urination as a result of therapy. These symptoms are typically transient and can be helped with supportive medications.
Prostate radiation psa?
Hello, In order to better assess your current response, to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) such as Lupron using the PSA test, it is important to look at the historical trend READ MORE
Hello,
In order to better assess your current response, to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) such as Lupron using the PSA test, it is important to look at the historical trend of prior PSA tests.
In order to better assess your current response, to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) such as Lupron using the PSA test, it is important to look at the historical trend of prior PSA tests.
Is radiation therapy for breast cancer painful?
Radiation therapy itself is painless. It does not use heat or temperature change. In some patients it may cause mild swelling and redness which can cause discomfort in some patients. READ MORE
Radiation therapy itself is painless. It does not use heat or temperature change. In some patients it may cause mild swelling and redness which can cause discomfort in some patients. Avoiding skin care products containing alcohol or oil is important as these can enhance skin reactions.
