Radiation Therapy For Cancer
Using ionized energy to kill cells, radiation therapy is used by half of all patients to treat cancer.
Radiation kills cancer cells by damaging their genetic material beyond repair, causing them to breakdown and die. Both short- and long-term side effects, such as hair and memory loss, can occur when the therapy kills healthy cells.
Different types of radiation exist. When a machine outside the body delivers it, it is called external-beam radiation therapy. If radioactive materials are placed inside the body, it is called internal radiation therapy, or brachytherapy. You can also receive an injection of radioactive iodine, which travels through the body to kill cancer cells, a treatment called systemic radiation therapy.
When cancer cant be cured, radiation therapy can be used to shrink tumors to make life more comfortable for a patient. Doctors may use radiation treatments alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
Recently Answered
- Q What will happen before my radiation therapy for cancer?
-
When you are being considered for radiation therapy, the first step in the process is a consultation with a physician. During this meeting, which typically takes place within a week of the initial call, a care plan is developed for you. This may... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is radiation therapy?
-
Radiation therapy is a treatment where patients receive targeted beams of radiation to kill cancer cells and stop the potential spread of the cancer. While this may sound scary, it has been used as an effective treatment for cancer for decades, and... Full Answer
6 Answers
A
- Q What is radiation therapy for lymphoma and leukemia?
-
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy X-rays to destroy leukemia cells, to prevent the cells from spreading and/or to relieve symptoms.The area treated with radiation therapy and the dose given is based on your specific leukemia... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q What is Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)?
-
Dr. Dede Bonner, Health EducationIntensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is an advanced method that uses computers to deliver precisely controlled radiation doses to specific tumor areas. Treatment is carefully planned using three-dimensional (3D) computerized tomography (CT)... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q What are the risks of radiation therapy for lymphoma and leukemia?
-
The short-term side effects of radiation therapy are common but usually get better and go away when treatments stop. These side effects depend on the area of the body affected by treatments and may include: Low blood counts, which may increase your... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Why may I need radiation therapy for lymphoma and leukemia?
-
For non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), radiation may be used alone or in combination with other treatment options, such as chemotherapy. Radiation is also used for palliative care if chemotherapy is not working. When used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What should I expect after radiation therapy for lymphoma and leukemia?
-
Side effects are common but generally go away when treatment is finished. They include: Low blood counts, which may increase the risk of infection and bleeding. Fatigue. Redness and itching of the skin in the radiation field. The skin may look as... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What should I know before radiation therapy for lymphoma and leukemia?
-
Radiation therapy to the pelvis may cause permanent sterility. Discuss fertility options with your doctor before you begin pelvic radiation for NHL or CLL. Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What side effects might my partner experience from radiation treatment?
-
Fatigue is a common side effect of radiation, and may not be noticeable until a few weeks after therapy begins. Your partner also may experience skin irritation causing redness. Another common side effect of abdominal and/or pelvic radiation is diarrhea,... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How does radiation therapy (RT) treat cancer?
-
Dr. Patrick Maguire, OncologyHigh-energy radiation treatment kills cancer cells. This type of anti-cancer treatment can be delivered on its own, before or after surgery, and with or without chemotherapy. Most commonly, radiation therapy (RT) is delivered by means of a... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
