Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that aims to destroy or prevent tumor cell growth by applying radiation, similar to those used in x-ray tests, directly on the tumor.
This type of treatment can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy or surgery, but it usually does not cause hair loss, as its effects are felt only at the treatment site and depend on the type and amount of radiation used in the patient.
- Radiation therapy is indicated to treat or control the growth of benign tumors or cancer and may be used before.
- During.
- Or after surgical or chemotherapy treatment.
However, when this type of treatment is used only to relieve tumor symptoms such as pain or bleeding, palliative radiation therapy is used in advanced stages that are difficult to cure for cancer.
Side effects depend on the type of treatment used, radiation doses, tumor size and location, and the overall health of the patient, but can usually occur:
In general, these reactions begin during the 2nd or 3rd week of treatment and may last up to several weeks after the last application.In addition, side effects are more severe when radiation therapy is combined with chemotherapy.Learn about the side effects of chemotherapy.
To alleviate symptoms and side effects of treatment, certain precautions should be taken, such as avoiding sun exposure, using Aloe vera or chamomile-based skin products, and keeping the area clean and free of creams or moisturizers during radiation sessions.
Also, you can ask your doctor to use medications that fight pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, helping to relieve fatigue and facilitate nutrition during treatment.
There are 3 types of radiation treatment and are used depending on the type and size of the tumor to be treated:
This is the most commonly used type of radiation, emitted by a device directed towards the place to be treated.Normally, applications are performed daily and last from 10 to 40 minutes, during which time the patient stays lying down and without feeling discomfort.
Radiation is sent to the body using special applicators, such as needles or wires, that are placed directly in the place to be treated.
This treatment is performed once or twice a week and may require anesthesia, being widely used for prostate or cervical tumors.
In this type of treatment, radioactive fluid is applied directly into the patient’s bloodstream and is typically used in thyroid cancer.