25 May Radiation Therapy and Cancer: What You Need to Know
Radiation therapy is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer. It can help treat and prevent the recurrence of cancer by targeting and destroying cancer cells. While radiation therapy can be an effective treatment, it can also present some risks and side effects.
It is important to understand how radiation therapy works, the potential risks and side effects, and the steps you can take to manage them. This article will provide an overview of radiation therapy and the information you need to make an informed decision.
What Is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. These high-energy rays can come from different sources like x-rays, gamma rays, and charged particles.
The radiation damages the DNA inside the cancer cells, making them unable to reproduce. The treatment can be given externally or internally, depending on the type and location of the cancer.
How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA inside the cancer cells. When the cancer cells try to divide, the damaged DNA prevents them from reproducing, leading to their death.
However, radiation therapy affects the cancer and healthy cells in the body. This is why the treatment is usually given in small doses over some time to minimize the damage to healthy cells.
External Beam Radiation Therapy
External beam radiation therapy is the most common type of radiation therapy. It involves using a machine that aims high-energy radiation beams at cancer outside the body. The device, called a linear accelerator, can be adjusted to deliver the radiation to the tumor’s exact location. The treatment is usually given on an outpatient basis, and patients do not need to be hospitalized.
Internal Radiation Therapy
Internal radiation therapy is also called brachytherapy. It involves placing a radioactive source inside the body close to the cancer. The radiation is delivered directly to the cancer site, minimizing the damage to healthy cells. The radioactive source can be placed inside the body permanently or temporarily, depending on the type and location of the cancer. The treatment is usually given on an outpatient basis, and patients do not need to be hospitalized.
Systemic Radiation Therapy
Systemic radiation therapy is a type of internal radiation therapy that involves injecting a radioactive substance into the bloodstream. The radioactive substance travels throughout the body and attaches to the cancer cells.
The radiation then damages the DNA inside the cancer cells, leading to their death. The treatment is usually given as an injection or a pill, and patients may need to stay in the hospital temporarily.
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy can cause side effects, but they vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. Some common side effects of radiation therapy include:
- Fatigue
- Skin changes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth sores
- Diarrhea
- Swelling
Most side effects of radiation therapy are temporary and go away after the treatment. However, some side effects may be long-term, especially if the treatment is given to the head and neck area. Patients should talk to their doctor about the possible side effects of radiation therapy and how to manage them.
Conclusion
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It can be given externally or internally, depending on the type and location of the cancer. The therapy damages the DNA inside the cancer cells, making them unable to reproduce.
However, radiation therapy affects the cancer and healthy cells in the body. This is why the treatment is usually given in small doses over some time to minimize the damage to healthy cells. Patients should talk to their doctor about the possible side effects of radiation therapy and how to manage them.
CenterPoint Radiation Oncology, founded by Dr. Morrell, delivers world-class radiation therapy to treat cancer in Beverly Hills, CA. Make an appointment today!
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