What is radiation treatment: Know Here
Radiation treatment is a technique of using high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells’ DNA and remove their ability to reproduce and grow. This technique is administered using linear accelerator equipment or radioactive sources implanted in the patient either temporarily or permanently. In cancer patients, radiation therapy can be used to treat cancer, relieve pain, and treat other symptoms.
To reduce side effects and safeguard healthy cells, radiation treatment preparation focuses on carefully directing the radiation dose on cancer. Imaging tests can reveal the exact shape and location of your tumor, as well as its boundaries.
A radiation oncologist may use external beam radiation treatment or brachytherapy to treat cancer. External beam radiation therapy can be created using a linear accelerator (a machine that accelerates electrons to produce x-rays or gamma rays). Proton therapy is an external beam radiation therapy that uses charged atoms created by cyclotrons or synchrotrons to kill cancer cells.
Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy that involves implanting radioactive sources inside the body. Through needles, seeds, wires, or catheters, radioactive sources are introduced directly into or near a tumor, either temporarily or permanently. Brachytherapy is used to treat cancers of the prostate, uterus, cervix, and breast.
For some cancer patients, radiation therapy may be the primary treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are occasionally given jointly. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy have been demonstrated to improve local response and reduce metastatic disease.
Following that, the radiation oncologist creates a schematic showing the treatment area, the tumor, and the areas to avoid (such as normal organs). The radiation plan is developed and checked by dosimetrists, medical physicists, and radiation oncologists. The radiation plan is then put through a series of quality and safety checks.
On the treatment units, radiation therapists administer radiation therapy. The radiation oncologist, together with other members of the healthcare team such as nurses and dietitians, will monitor the patient for adverse effects during radiation treatment.