1. Therapy from the Outside or Inside
Radiation oncology is a cancer treatment that uses high energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can originate from a device similar to an X-ray machine. A doctor can also administer radiation therapy as an internal treatment by placing radioactive seeds, capsules or pellets in the treatment area. Depending on the type of internal radiation, the doctor may remove the capsules after therapy or leave the inactive pellets in the body.
2. Zero in on the Treatment Field
Radiation oncologists use several methods to limit the side effects of treatment on normal tissues. Patients usually receive radiation therapy five days a week over a period of several weeks, rather than getting the treatment all at once. This gives normal cells a chance to recover. Radiation oncologists also carefully limit the dosage of radiation cancer patients receive. In addition, doctors pinpoint the exact area of the body the treatment will encompass, called the treatment field, to focus the X-rays only on the tumor.
3. Will I Lose My Hair?
Radiation therapy is a local treatment because it kills cancer cells in only the area where the doctor aims the X-rays or places the radioactive materials. This restricts side effects to the area of treatment. For example, if a patient receives radiation therapy on his head for a brain tumor, hair loss is likely. If a patient receives radiation therapy on the abdomen, digestive problems will likely result. Common radiation-therapy side effects in any part of the body include fatigue and skin problems. The radiation oncologist and nurse can advise cancer patients how to minimize side effects during treatment.
4. Surgery Sans Scalpel
Stereotactic radiosurgery is a type of external radiation therapy that focuses a strong treatment beam on an area of brain tissue. The patient doesn't receive surgery with a scalpel. Instead, a special frame holds the patient's head in place while the doctor defines the treatment field with exacting precision. The beam then blasts the tumor with little harm done to healthy tissue.
5. Resume Your Life
After radiation therapy is over, cancer patients are ready to return to their normal routines. Even when therapy is finished, cancer patients must watch for any long-term effects of treatment, so that doctors can provide early intervention to treat complications that may occur. Late effects of radiation depend on the part of the body included in the treatment field. For example, radiation to the head or neck area can cause loss of salivary-gland function, tooth decay or jaw stiffness. A dentist can recommend artificial saliva replacements or jaw exercises to cope with these complications. Ask the radiation oncologist what long-term side effects to watch for and how to manage them.
