Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Benign Conditions
At Atrium Health Levine Cancer, we do more than treat cancer. Our radiation therapy program also offers low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) – a safe, non-invasive treatment for non-cancerous (benign) conditions that cause pain, inflammation, or tissue overgrowth.
While radiation is often associated with cancer care, LDRT is different. It uses much smaller, precisely targeted doses to treat benign (non-cancerous) conditions. This can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life without the side effects of high-dose radiation treatments or the need for surgery.
Our expert team delivers personalized care using advanced technology at comfortable, convenient locations in Charlotte and Albemarle, NC.
Getting Started
Talk with your primary care doctor or another specialist (such as an orthopedic doctor, dermatologist, or endocrinologist) to see if radiation therapy may be right for you. They will review your medical history and, if appropriate, refer you for low‑dose radiation therapy.
How does low-dose radiation therapy work?
During treatment, a machine called a linear accelerator gently delivers radiation to the affected area. The dose is carefully calculated to be low enough to avoid damaging healthy tissue, but strong enough to help reduce inflammation or slow abnormal cell growth.
LDRT treatment is usually quick, painless and completed in just a few sessions. Because the radiation is so precisely targeted, side effects are typically minimal.
What conditions are treated with low-dose radiation therapy?
We treat a range of benign conditions with LDRT, including:
- Gynecomastia
- Keloid scars
- Osteoarthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Plantar/palmar fibromatosis
- Traumatic bone fractures
For some conditions, moderate doses of radiation may be needed. Your care team will determine the best approach based on your diagnosis and health needs.
Why choose us for low-dose radiation therapy?
We combine compassionate care with advanced expertise to deliver the highest quality treatment:
- Personalized care that fits you: Every person is different, and your treatment should be too. Our doctors take the time to understand your condition and create a care plan tailored to your needs.
- Team-based support: You’ll be cared for by a group of specialists – including experts in radiation therapy and orthopedics – who work together to help you feel better and get the best results.
- Safe, precise technology: We use advanced tools, including a machine called a linear accelerator, to deliver low-dose radiation directly to the area that needs treatment. This helps relieve symptoms while protecting healthy tissue nearby.
What are the benefits of low-dose radiation therapy?
Low-dose radiation therapy can help relieve symptoms from non-cancerous conditions – especially for people looking for alternatives to surgery or long-term medication. Some benefits include:
- Non-surgical treatment: LDRT is a gentle option for people who can’t have surgery or haven’t found relief from injections or medications.
- Few side effects: Most people experience little to no side effects. If they do occur, they’re usually mild – such as slight skin redness or feeling tired.
- Better comfort and movement: Many patients report less pain, better movement or noticeable improvements in their skin after treatment.
What to expect during treatment
Our LDRT treatment process is designed to be safe, comfortable and tailored to your needs. Here’s what you can expect:
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Consultation
Talk to your primary care doctor, orthopedic specialist, dermatologist, endocrinologist, or other health care provider to see if radiation therapy might help you. They’ll review your medical history and refer you for low-dose radiation therapy if appropriate.
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Personalized treatment plan
If LDRT is recommended, you’ll make an appointment at one of our radiation therapy centers. There, you’ll meet with a radiation oncologist who specializes in treating non-cancerous conditions. They’ll work with a team to create a treatment plan that targets the affected area while protecting healthy tissue.
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Treatment appointments
During each treatment session, you’ll lie comfortably on a table while the linear accelerator delivers low-dose radiation. Most sessions take 15 minutes or less, and most people need only 3-5 sessions over a few weeks.
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Monitoring and follow-up care
Your care team will monitor your progress, check for side effects, and answer any questions throughout your treatment and recovery.
Your LDRT care team
Throughout your treatment, you’ll be supported by a team of experts who work together to ensure your care is safe, effective and personalized. Members of your care team include:
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Radiation oncologist: A doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat medical conditions. They’ll assess your diagnosis and create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
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Radiation therapists: Specially trained professionals who use imaging and advanced equipment to deliver your customized radiation treatments with care and precision.
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Medical physicists: Experts who work closely with your doctor to ensure your treatment is delivered safely and accurately, using the correct dose while protecting healthy tissue.
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Medical dosimetrists: Specialists who help design your treatment plan by calculating the exact dose and angles needed to target the affected area.
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Radiation oncology nurses: Nurses who are experienced in caring for patients receiving radiation therapy. They’ll help explain your care plan, monitor your progress, and support you throughout treatment.
Our providers
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