|
|
Radiation therapy is the use of high-dose radiation to destroy or reduce malignant tumors. The radiation used is high-energy x-rays, neutrons, photons, cobalt or other radiation sources. Radiation can be delivered by way of internal radiation therapy, external-beam radiation therapy, or radioisotopes. Internal radiation therapy delivers radiation through sealed thin plastic tubes, needles, wires, or catheters and placed near or into the tumor being targeted. External-beam radiation therapy delivers radiation through a machine directing a beam of radiation. Radioisotopes are materials that produce radiation. In a series of treatments the radiation damages cancer cells so they no longer divide or multiply. The tumor is thereby reduced in size. Radiation therapy is usually unable to destroy the entire tumor or completely eliminate the malignancy from nearby tissues. Radiology is usually used in combination with several other therapies, such as surgery and chemotherapy, in a carefully customized treatment plan. Unfortunately no treatment or combination of treatments is able to remove all diseased cells without serious effects on the patient's body. The remaining cells continue to divide and multiply.
Although radiation therapy helps relieve symptoms of the disease, such as pain and shortness of breath, it also causes side effects. Healthy cells as well as tumor cells in the treated area are affected by this treatment. This damage to the healthy cells results in the side effects of radiation therapy. Some side effects of radiation can include fatigue, difficulty swallowing, skin irritation, stiffness and aching, hair loss, and digestive problems.
