Radiation therapy is a type of treatment that can be used in conjunction with other therapies such as chemotherapy and surgery. It can also be administered alone in the treatment of cancer symptoms. Other terms for radiation therapy include - irradiation, X-ray therapy, and cobalt treatment, Radiation therapy is carried out by radiation oncologists and they will liaise with your specialist to decide what amount, type, and frequency of radiation you will require.
How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Radiation omits high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. These rays are carefully directed at tumours – disrupting cancer cells and injuring them. Thus, preventing further division of cells and stopping tumour growth.
How Much Radiation Treatment Will I need?
Radiation treatment will depend on the following criteria – type of cancer, your general health, any other treatment you are receiving, and your test results. The radiation oncologist will decide the precise location of treatment, the total dose, and the number of repeated treatment required. The total dose of radiation is divided into daily dosages called fractionations. Short intermittent doses of radiation give better results and decrease the amount of damage to normal cells. Radiation treatments are usually administered five days per week for several weeks, but can also given daily for one week or more, or as a single dose.
The exact location on your body where the high-energy rays will be directed will be marked with an indelible ink marker (like a temporary tattoo). This area must not be washed off until treatment has been completed. If for some reason the mark comes of or fades - do not try to recreate it your self (draw it back on) as the mark may be inaccurate, notify your doctor instead.
What Equipment Is Used To Deliver Radiation?
The most likely type of radiation you will receive is ‘beam radiation’. Various machines deliver beam radiation to the cancer cells, including the ‘linear accelerator’ and the ‘cobalt’ machine. Radiation equipment is either located at a local hospital or specialist treatment centre, and is usually given as an outpatient treatment.
Does Radiation Cause Side Effects?
Unfortunately radiation therapy can also destroy some normal cells during treatment, thus resulting in side effects. The amount and type of side effects depends on the – dosage, size of radiation field, and area of the body treated. Some patients do not experience any side effects at all, whereas others can suffer very little to severe. The most common side effects you may suffer are – fatigue, skin reactions/irritations, and a loss of appetite. If you receive radiation treatment within the chest area you may experience – fibrosis pnuemonitis (radiation lung injury), esophagitis (swelling of the esophagitis), sore throat, and hair loss.
Below is a useful set of questions you may want to ask your specialist prior to treatment:
- what is the goal of my radiation?
- how will radiation be given?
- when will treatments begin?
- when will treatments end?
- how will i feel during therapy?
- what can i do to take care of myself during therapy?
- how will we know whether the radiation is working?
- how will radiation treatment affect mya normal activity?
- what are the side effects of radiation?
from : www.mesotheliomalungs.org
