Radiation
Therapy
Radiation
Therapy is one of the treatments available for patients suffering
from cancer. It may also be referred to as X-Ray Therapy, Cobalt
Therapy, or Irradiation. Approximately half of all cancer patients
are treated with radiation. It can be used alone or in combination
with surgery or chemotherapy.
Radiation
kills cells that are growing and dividing rapidly - it will
destroy normal as well as abnormal cells. Therefore, careful
planning is necessary to limit the amount of normal tissue that
is destroyed.
Radiation
is given either externally or internally:
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External
radiation can be delivered via a linear accelerator, which
uses electricity to create radiation, or by a machine that
uses a radioactive substance as its radiation source. |
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Internal
radiation is either "sealed" or "unsealed."
Unsealed radiation is given orally or through an injection.
Sealed radiation is delivered through an implant in the
form of seeds, capsules, needles, or wires. |
External
radiation therapy, which is performed at least five days per
week for several weeks, is usually an outpatient procedure,
while internal radiation is usually an inpatient procedure.
Internal radiation therapy usually requires a hospital stay
of three to seven days.
Side
Effects
Most patients undergoing radiation therapy will suffer from
side effects. Side effects can be either acute or chronic and
vary from patient to patient.
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Acute
side effects occur during treatment and can include: fatigue,
skin reactions, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, shortness
of breath, and area-specific side effects: |
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Head
and Neck Cancers - hair loss and mouth sores |
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Gastrointestinal
Cancers - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation |
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Lung
Cancers - shortness of breath (dyspnea) |
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Chronic
side effects occur months to years after the radiation therapy
is administered. These side effects vary and should be explained
fully by your physician before treatment begins. |
Blood
count levels will also be closely monitored. A low white blood
cell count decreases a patient's ability to fight off infection,
while a low red blood cell count can result in anemia. Additionally,
a low platelet count increases the chance of excessive bleeding.
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Low
White Blood Count - If a patient has a low white
blood cell count they are urged to check their temperature
at least four times per day to make sure they are not running
a fever. In addition, patients should eliminate uncooked
foods from their diet, avoid fresh flowers and plants, and
avoid dental work. |
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Low
Red Blood Count - If a patient has a low red
blood cell count they are urged to get a lot of sleep and
avoid strenuous activity. In addition, patients should eat
a diet high in iron, drink a lot of water, and avoid caffeine. |
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Low
Platelet Count -
If a patient has a low platelet count they are urged to
avoid activity that could result in injury. In addition,
patients should avoid aspirin and other over-the-counter
anti-inflammatory medications. |
This
information is meant to provide a brief overview of radiation
therapy and its side effects. It is important that you consult
a physician to discuss treatment specific to your case.
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