Radiology Practice Test

What is the primary focus of radiotherapy?

1. Treating infections with antibiotics

2. Using high-energy radiation to treat cancer

3. Monitoring patient recovery

4. Performing routine check-ups

The correct answer is: Using high-energy radiation to treat cancer

The primary focus of radiotherapy is on using high-energy radiation to treat cancer. This method involves the precise targeting of cancerous cells with radiation to damage their DNA, which inhibits their ability to grow and divide. By employing high-energy beams such as X-rays, gamma rays, or charged particles, radiotherapy seeks to destroy tumors while minimizing the impact on surrounding healthy tissues. In contrast to the other options, treating infections with antibiotics does not involve radiation; rather, it is a pharmacological approach. Monitoring patient recovery and performing routine check-ups are important aspects of patient care but do not constitute the actual therapeutic method aimed at directly combating cancer. Therefore, the use of high-energy radiation as a cancer treatment distinguishes radiotherapy as a specialized modality in oncology, highlighting its efficacy in managing and treating various types of malignancies.