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Radiation Therapy |
Radiation TherapyIn radiation therapy (also called as radio therapy) high energy rays are used to shrink or kill the cancerous cells.
It is used in the treatment of some cancers (not all). Radiotherapy either destroys the cell by interfering in the cell reproduction process or by directly killing the cancerous cells. Normal cells are also affected with these rays, but they recover better than the cancerous cells.
Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other therapies like chemotherapy or surgery to treat cancer. It is also used to decrease the size of the tumor prior surgery and destroy remaining cancerous cells, if any after surgery. At times when the possibility of curing cancer is rare, radiation therapy may help to improve the length and quality of life for patients.
Radiation therapy is the primary mode of treatment in various types of cancers like skin cancer, oral cancer, nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx cancer, some gynecological cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and brain tumor.
During the therapy a patient will not see or feel the radiations and can indulge in normal activities post treatment, however he/she might get tired easily.
Brachytherapy Brachytherapy is the term applied to the placement of radioactive seeds/sources inside or next to the tumor that delivers radiation directly to the tumor, without affecting the surrounding tissues that are healthy.
Instead of surgery, brachytherapy is sometimes used to cure cancer.
Hollow applicators or thin needles are used to place or insert the seeds/sources in the body cavities like esophagus or vagina. These seeds are left in the body after radiation therapy, but as they are small they cause little discomfort.
Brachytherapy is well accepted in United States for treating various types of cancers especially prostate cancer. The procedure to treat prostate cancer with this method is named transperineal implantation of the prostate (TPIP).
Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a highly accurate device that matches radiation to the shape and size of a patients tumor via the use of computer generated images. IMRT is a very effective way of delivering high radiation doses without much damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.
This treatment is generally used for patients with high recurrence in the same area which has received conventional cancer treatments/ conventional radiation therapy.
Side effects of radiotherapy –
Normal cells can be damaged in the process as radiations are passed through the healthy tissues on its way to the cancer cells. Some possible side effects are –
- Hair loss that can be temporary or permanent (only in the areas that are exposed to radiation).
- Skin irritation or skin discoloration (temporary) in the area that is exposed to radiation.
- Fatigue.
- If radiation is delivered to the throat, there might be difficulty or pain while swallowing.
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea and low blood count (rare).
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