Understanding Radiation Therapy: What It Is and How It Works
With Cancer affecting so many people throughout the world, there have got to be some ways to treat it. One of the most effective ways that doctors use to prevent cancerous cells from spreading further is radiation therapy. With the therapy working to save countless lives every day, it provides a ray of hope to patients and their families. Radiotherapy proves that the battle against cancer isn't totally undefeatable. Hence, if you know someone who is surviving through Cancer, you need to understand what radiotherapy is and the types that are available. In this article, we will also talk about the way radiotherapy works and then answer some of your most frequent questions.
Table Of Content :
- Understanding Radio Therapy
- Types of Radio Therapy Available
- How does radiation therapy work?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Understanding Radio Therapy
So to begin with, here is what you should know about radiotherapy. It is a medical treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It works by damaging the DNA within cancer cells. What it does is prevent them from growing and dividing. Radiotherapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy.
Now there are two main forms of radiation therapy external beam radiotherapy and internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy). External beam radiotherapy directs radiation at the cancer from outside the body, while brachytherapy involves placing radioactive material inside the body near the cancer cells.
So, radiation therapy is carefully planned and administered to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Side effects can vary depending on the area treated. This may include fatigue, skin changes, and other localized symptoms.
However, if you want to know more about radiotherapy and if a certain type of cancer requires radiotherapy, we would suggest you reach out to Oncare Cancer. Our doctors and dedicated team of professionals are always in search to help you out. With us, you will have the maximum chances of recovery as we will be with you throughout your cancer journey.
Read More : Chemotherapy vs. Radiation Therapy: Key Differences and Uses
Types of Radio Therapy Available
Now, you may be wondering what types of radiation therapy are available. Here is a comprehensive list of the types:
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT):
- Administered from a machine outside the body.
- Typically given over several weeks in daily sessions.
- Non-invasive, and patients are not radioactive after treatment.
Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy):
- Radioactive material is placed inside or near the tumor.
- Can be temporary or permanent.
- Requires special safety precautions during the treatment period.
Systemic Radiation Therapy:
- Radioactive drugs are taken orally or intravenously.
- The radioactive substance travels throughout the body, targeting cancer cells.
- Patients may need to follow safety guidelines for a period after treatment.
Read More : Affordable Radiation Therapy: Low-Cost Treatment Options in India
How does radiation therapy work?
So here is how radiation therapy is supposed to work.
Mechanism of Action
So, radiation therapy treatment works by damaging the DNA within cancer cells. This makes it impossible for them to grow and divide. The treatment is delivered in a way that maximizes the dose to the cancer cells. It also minimises exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
External Beam Radiotherapy Process
In external beam radiation therapy, machines like linear accelerators generate high-energy x-rays or particles. They are then precisely aimed at the tumor. This precision is achieved using imaging techniques like CT, MRI, or PET scans. They map the exact location and shape of the tumor.
Internal Radiotherapy Process
Internal radiation therapy treatment, or brachytherapy, involves placing radioactive materials directly inside or near the tumor. This provides a high radiation dose to the cancer cells while sparing nearby healthy tissues.
Treatment Schedule and Side Effects
Radiotherapy is usually given over several weeks in daily sessions. This allows healthy cells time to recover between treatments. Side effects vary depending on the treatment area but can include skin irritation, fatigue, and localized effects. For instance, there may be difficulty swallowing or changes in bowel habits. Despite these side effects, radiotherapy is a highly effective treatment for many types of cancer. It has significantly improved survival rates and quality of life for patients.
Conclusion
To sum it up, radiation therapy treatment is one of the best treatments in the fight against cancer. By eradicating cells and preventing it from spreading further, it is making waves in its treatment. However, it is best to consult your doctor who would guide you whether one needs radio therapy or not. With support and hope and successful treatment, it is indeed possible to defeat Cancer.
At Oncare Cancer, you can work with reputed doctors and qualified professionals who will guide you on the path to recovery. It would be wise to reach out to us if you think radiotherapy would be beneficial for your treatment. Our doctors can help you determine the best course for your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Many people commonly ask what is radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or waves, such as X-rays or proton beams, to destroy or damage cancer cells. The answer to your question, how does radiation therapy work, it works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing, ultimately causing them to die and shrink the tumor.
Candidates for radiation therapy are determined based on cancer type, stage, location, and overall health. Oncologists consider factors like tumor size, whether cancer has spread, and the patient's medical history to decide if radiation therapy is appropriate, often using imaging studies and biopsies.
Common side effects include fatigue, skin irritation, and localized pain. Management strategies include skincare routines, medications for pain and inflammation, and strategies to improve energy levels. Oncologists may adjust treatment plans or provide supportive care to minimize side effects.
Again, to the question, what is radiation therapy? It targets specific areas with high-energy radiation, while chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Surgery physically removes tumors. Radiation is often localized, chemotherapy is systemic, and surgery is invasive, each with distinct roles in a comprehensive cancer treatment plan.