Introduction
High radiation dosages are used in radiation therapy, commonly known as radiotherapy, to destroy cancer cells and reduce tumor size. Radiation is utilized in small doses for internal body imaging, such as x-rays of teeth or fractured bones.
How radiation therapy works against cancer
Radiation therapy damages the DNA of cancer cells at high dosages, either killing the cells or slowing their growth. When DNA damage is irreversible, cancer cells either cease proliferating or die. The body breaks down and eliminates the damaged cells as they die.
Radiation treatment does not immediately destroy cancer cells. Treatment must be administered for days or weeks before significant DNA damage results in the death of cancer cells. When radiation therapy is finished, cancer cells continue to die for several weeks or months.
Types of radiation therapy
Radiation therapy comes in two primary varieties: internal beam and external beam.
Your potential course of radiation treatment will depend on a number of variables, such as:
- the kind of cancer
- The size, location, and proximity of the tumor to radiation-sensitive normal tissues within the body.
- your overall well-being and medical background
- whether additional cancer treatments are planned for you.
- additional elements, such as your age and any underlying medical issues.
External beam radiation therapy
Radiation therapy with an external beam is delivered to your malignancy by means of a machine. It's a big machine that might make noise. Although it doesn't touch you, it can move around you and radiate in different directions to different parts of your body.
As a local treatment, external beam radiation therapy targets a particular area of the body. For instance, you will only receive radiation to your chest and not the rest of your body if you have lung cancer.
How other cancer treatments are combined with radiation
Radiation therapy could be the only thing needed for some patients. However, radiation therapy is typically used in conjunction with other cancer treatments, such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. To increase the likelihood that the treatment will be effective, radiation therapy may be administered prior to, during, or following these other therapies. The type of cancer will determine when radiation therapy is administered.
Lifetime dose limits
Throughout your lifetime, there's a maximum amount of radiation that can be safely applied to a certain part of your body. You might not be allowed to get radiation therapy at the same location twice, depending on how much radiation has already been applied there. However, if the distance between two sections of the body is sufficient, another area may still be treated even if one has already received the safe lifetime dose of radiation.
Radiation therapy can cause side effects
Radiation can harm neighboring healthy cells in addition to killing or inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Adverse effects may result from harm to healthy cells.
How much does radiation therapy cost?
Radiation therapy can be expensive. It makes use of sophisticated machinery and numerous medical professionals' services. The precise cost of your radiation therapy will vary depending on the type of radiation therapy you receive, the number of treatments you require, and the cost of healthcare in your area.
Discuss the services your health insurance will cover with your provider. Radiation treatment is usually covered by insurance. Speak with the business office of the clinic or hospital where you receive treatment to find out more. There are organizations that might be able to aid you if you require financial support. Use the National Cancer Institute database's Organizations that Offer Support Services search function to locate these groups by typing in "financial assistance."
A special diet is needed while on radiation therapy
Radiation can result in side effects that make it difficult to eat, like nausea, mouth sores, and esophagitis, a condition that affects the throat. You should consume enough protein and calories to maintain your weight throughout radiation therapy because the healing process of the treatment requires a lot of energy from your body.
Speak with your doctor or nurse if you are struggling to eat and stay at your current weight. Consulting a dietitian may also be beneficial. See the booklet Eating Hints for additional information on managing eating disorders, or read up on side effects.
Working during radiation therapy
Some patients are able to work through radiation treatment full-time. Some are limited to part-time employment or none at all. Your level of productivity is contingent on your emotional state. Find out from your physician or nurse what to anticipate from the course of your treatment.
On the first day of your radiation treatments, you should be able to work. It's normal to feel weaker, more exhausted, and less energized as time goes on. It could take a few weeks after therapy is over for you to feel better, or it could take longer.
During your radiation treatment, there may come a time when you are too ill to work. Find out if you are eligible for medical leave by speaking with your employer. Verify whether therapy will be covered by your health insurance during your medical leave.
- Planning and Consultation
- Determination of cancer stage and general health.
- Accurate treatment area mapping.
- Calculations to ascertain the ideal dosage and angles are part of treatment planning.
- Therapy Session
- Five days a week is usually used to administer daily sessions.
- Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, the length of the treatment varies.
- Modernization of Radiation Therapy
Concluding
For millions of people fighting cancer, radiation therapy represents a glimmer of hope. It is a crucial part of all-encompassing cancer treatment because of its capacity to target cancer cells while protecting healthy tissues. The effectiveness and accuracy of this life-saving treatment increase along with technological advancements.
Questions and Answers
1: Do radiation treatments hurt?
No, radiation therapy doesn't hurt. However, the setting necessary for treatment may cause discomfort in certain people.
2: Do radiation treatments have any food restrictions?
There are no rigid rules, but eating a balanced diet and drinking enough of water will help you stay healthy overall while you're getting treatment.
3: Can radiation therapy entirely treat cancer?
Yes, in many instances. Radiation therapy's efficacy is influenced by the type and stage of the cancer as well as the patient's general health.
4: A normal radiation therapy session lasts how long?
The length of each session varies, but the total amount of time spent in the hospital may differ.
5: Does radiation therapy have any available support services for patients?
Yes, a lot of cancer centers provide resources to assist patients deal with the mental and physical difficulties of treatment, in addition to counseling, support groups, and other services.
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