Decoding Radiation Therapy: Its Mechanism and Patient Expectations
Introduction
Modern therapies like radiation therapy can target cancerous cells and kill them while causing the least amount of damage to healthy tissue. If you or someone you know is considering this type of therapy, it's crucial to comprehend how it operates and what to anticipate throughout the process. In this blog, we'll explore radiation therapy, covering its advantages and potential side effects and preparing you for your treatment journey at JIET Hospital.
Unraveling Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy, sometimes referred to as radiotherapy, is a cancer treatment that employs high-energy particles or waves, such as X-rays, gamma rays, or electron beams, to eradicate or harm cancer cells. This therapy can be utilized independently or in conjunction with other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy. Two primary types of radiation therapy exist external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy).
The Science Behind Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy's core concept is to target and destroy malignant cells while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. High-energy radiation disrupts the DNA within cancer cells, impeding their reproduction and ultimately resulting in cell death. The body's natural processes then remove the damaged cancer cells.
External Beam Radiation Therapy
External beam radiation therapy is the most prevalent radiation treatment. In this procedure, a device known as a linear accelerator generates high-energy radiation beams directed toward the tumor from outside the body. Sophisticated technology, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), enables precise tumor targeting while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.
Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)
Brachytherapy involves the placement of radioactive material directly inside or near the tumor. This approach permits a higher radiation dosage to be administered to the tumor while reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Brachytherapy is frequently employed to treat prostate, cervical, and breast cancers.
Advantages of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy offers several benefits in cancer treatment, including:
Focused treatment: Radiation therapy can be customized to target specific malignant cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Non-invasive: External beam radiation therapy is a non-invasive procedure that does not necessitate incisions or anesthesia.
Outpatient treatment: The majority of radiation therapy sessions are conducted on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home after each session.
Enhanced effectiveness in combination: Radiation therapy can be used with other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy to improve the efficacy of cancer treatment.
Potential Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Although radiation therapy is a potent weapon against cancer, it can also cause side effects. Some common side effects include:
Fatigue
Skin alterations, like redness or irritation
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Pain or difficulty swallowing
Hair loss
It's vital to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare team to effectively manage and alleviate them.
Conclusion
Radiation therapy is a common cancer treatment that involves using high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. At JIET Hospital, patients can expect a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a consultation with a radiation oncologist, a simulation process to pinpoint the precise location of the tumor, and daily treatment sessions that typically last just a few minutes. Throughout the process, the radiation therapy team will monitor the patient's progress and provide support to ensure their comfort and well-being. At JIET Hospital, Jodhpur, we are committed to providing high-quality radiation therapy treatment that is tailored to each patient's unique needs, with a focus on minimizing side effects and maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment.
