Interventional Radiology Vs Radiation Oncology: What You Should Know
Interventional radiology and radiation oncology are two distinct medical specialties that differ in their approach to patient care. They can also have unique safety considerations based on the common equipment used during procedures.
How do these specialties compare? Read on as we discuss their roles, the types of procedures they’re involved in, and best practices for radiation safety in healthcare.
What Is The Difference Between A Radiation Oncologist And An Interventional Radiologist?
The main difference between a radiation oncologist and an interventional radiologist is the type of treatment they provide and the procedures they perform.
Interventional Radiologist
An interventional radiologist is trained to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, such as cancer patients, vascular diseases, kidney stones, or spinal fractures. Procedures performed by an interventional radiologist are typically minimally invasive procedures and act as an alternative to traditional surgery.
Imaging Techniques And Equipment Used
While performing surgery, interventional radiologists may use a variety of imaging techniques to provide assistance. One of the most common is C-arm-guided fluoroscopy, which can provide a real-time image to assist during the procedure.
A study in 2010 that assessed the treatment methods used in a radiology department found that 505 procedures were performed using C-arm fluoroscopy in a 3-month timespan. That number would possibly be even higher today since its use has grown due to its accuracy and effectiveness.
Radiation Exposure Risks
While equipment like C-arms and fluoroscopy is highly effective and useful for interventional radiologists, there are risks involved because it emits radiation during use. AORN states that the average C-arm emits 20 mSv (2 rem) per minute, and the FDA states that fluoroscopy emits relatively high radiation doses that require appropriate safety measures.
Governing bodies, like the CDC, recommend following the principles of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) when using high-dose equipment during interventional surgery. ALARA includes minimizing the time of exposure, increasing distance from the radiation source, and using shielding like lead aprons or thyroid collars.
Modifying the time of exposure and distance from the radiation source isn’t always possible during every procedure, so shielding is an essential safety component that can keep clinicians protected at all times.
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation oncologists specialize in treating cancer through radiation therapy. They work with cancer patients to form targeted treatment plans aimed to kill cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue.
Treatment Methods And Equipment Used
Oncology treatment for cancer is very precise. They would use radiation therapy machines to target a specific area of the body where cancer or tumor cells are present while minimizing the effects on healthy tissues.
Radiation Exposure Risks
Oncologists are exposed to radiation while administering radiation therapy for cancer treatment.
The American Cancer Society stresses that everyone in the area should follow the principles of ALARA, including time, distance, and shielding. Healthcare workers administering radiation therapy routinely wear lead aprons, thyroid collars, glasses, and gloves to minimize exposure.
Additionally, a study in February 2025 emphasized the need for healthcare workers to receive standardized training before administering radiation therapy to ensure staff and patient safety.
What Is The Difference Between Radiology And Radiation Oncology?
Radiology includes diagnostic and interventional radiology—using imaging to diagnose and treat conditions. In contrast, interventional oncology, a subspecialty, involves image-guided, minimally invasive treatment of cancers, offering targeted therapy for tumors.
Understanding Radiology
The term radiology refers to the branch of medicine that uses imaging to diagnose and treat health conditions. It includes two parts: diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology.
Diagnostic radiology refers to using imaging, such as X-rays and CT scans, to capture images of affected areas and diagnose medical conditions.
Interventional radiology refers to using imaging guidance, such as C-arm fluoroscopy, to surgically treat conditions.
How It Connects To Radiation Oncology
As mentioned, a radiation oncologist specializes in treating cancer. However, both radiology and radiation oncology can work together.
A diagnostic radiologist typically captures images to diagnose cancer and identify the location of tumors or cancer cells. Then, the oncologist would create a treatment plan based on the patient’s needs and use equipment like radiation therapy machines to perform targeted treatment that helps.
An oncologist might also refer patients to an interventional radiologist if minimally invasive interventional surgery is a more appropriate option for cancer treatment. The Society of Interventional Radiology also mentions that oncologists may refer patients to interventional radiologists to treat cancer-related pain.
Do Interventional Radiologists Have A Higher Risk Of Cancer?
There isn’t any definitive evidence that interventional radiologists have a higher risk of cancer than radiation oncologists.
However, frequent radiation exposure without taking proper safety precautions can lead to an increased risk of cancer for either interventional radiologists or radiation oncologists, so both must take radiation safety seriously.
The American Cancer Society stresses that performing interventional fluoroscopy without proper protection can increase the risk of cancer and other adverse health effects, such as damage to the skin or lens of the eyes. Wearing protective garments like lead aprons, thyroid collars, and glasses is essential during interventional surgery to shield crucial organs.
Likewise, research from the National Institutes of Health states that exposure during radiation therapy can increase the risk of cancer for oncologists, along with other health consequences such as organ or tissue damage. Again, wearing protective garments and taking precautions such as following the guidelines of ALARA recommended by the CDC is essential to minimize those risks and promote staff and patient safety.
What Safety Measures Are Essential For Clinicians Working With Radiation?
As mentioned, one of the primary safety measures for clinicians working with radiation is following the principles of ALARA. That includes:
Minimizing the time of exposure when possible
Increasing the distance from the radiation source
Using shielding like lead aprons, thyroid collars, radiation glasses, lead shields, and lead barriers
Each of these steps works together to reduce exposure for clinicians and patients as much as possible. Particularly, shielding is vital because healthcare workers can’t always reduce the time of procedures and may be required to remain close to the radiation source while operating on patients.
Cleaning And Maintenance Needs For Protective Garments
When protective garments, such as lead aprons, thyroid shields, and gloves, are frequently used during radiology procedures, they accumulate wear and tear that require appropriate maintenance.
Performing regular inspections is important to identify damage early. A study from Radiography Open showed that cracks, holes, or tears in protective garments can reduce their effectiveness. We recommend annual inspections using X-ray scanning to accurately identify this damage before it gets out of control.
Additionally, AORN’s latest guidelines for perioperative practice state that protective garments like lead aprons, vests, skirts, and thyroid shields have some of the highest contamination rates in medical facilities, between 62.5% and 100%. Regular deep cleaning and disinfection are necessary to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria during procedures.
How Can Patients Ensure Their Own Safety During Procedures?
Patients may also wonder about how they can keep themselves safe during high-dose procedures. Some key ways for patients to ensure safety are:
Ask questions about radiation safety protocols so you’re aware of the precautions the healthcare team is taking. It can help alleviate concerns when you know all the best practices are being used.
Follow all instructions given to you by physicians, technologists, nurses, and other staff members. That will ensure you’re in optimal positioning, minimize the time of the procedure, and maximize the distance from the radiation source when possible.
Review regulations related to informed consent in healthcare. Physicians should provide you with information about a procedure, such as its purpose, benefits, and risks, including risks involved in radiation exposure.
Where Can Clinicians And Patients Find Reliable Resources About Radiation Safety?
Many resources are available to help clinicians and patients learn more about radiation safety. Some great places to start are:
Reviewing OSHA’s regulations and guidelines for occupational radiation exposure to understand exposure limits and best practices.
The CDC’s recommendations for ALARA detail how time, distance, and shielding can be used effectively during procedures.
AORN’s guidelines for perioperative practice cover the effective use of surgical attire and the need for deep cleaning high-touch objects to reduce the spread of harmful microorganisms.
You can also review our resources available at Radiological Care Services (RCS). We have several articles and case studies that provide information to ensure safety for healthcare workers and patients.
Conclusion
Both interventional radiology and radiation oncology provide essential treatment for health conditions. Interventional radiology involves minimally invasive surgery for a variety of conditions, while radiation oncology focuses on precise cancer treatment.
Radiation safety protocols are crucial for both interventional radiologists and radiation oncologists to reduce exposure during high-dose procedures.
How RCS Can Help
If your facility is working toward implementing safer practices, we’re here to support your needs at RCS.
We can help you source protective garments like lead aprons, vests, skirts, thyroid shields, and glasses from top manufacturers.
Additionally, we offer several maintenance services to keep your protective garments clean, inspected, and in top condition throughout their lifespan. That includes:
Every step can be tracked and managed in our RADCOMPLY™ software to create an organized system for success.
Contact us today to learn more about how RCS can help.