Radiation therapy Farmington
Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, is another important tool in the cancer-fighting arsenal that’s used to shrink tumors and destroy cancer cells. This type of treatment involves blasting tumors with high-energy radiation that targets cancer while reducing damage to nearby tissues and cells. Because there are different types of cancer and different types of radiation therapy, it’s critical to work closely with your doctor to identify the best form of treatment for your unique situation.
What is radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a type of treatment that uses high-energy waves or particles to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Radiation can be used to treat any area of the body, but it is most commonly used in areas with cancers that have not responded to other treatments or where there are too many healthy cells around the tumor for surgery or chemotherapy. In radiation treatment, an external device directs X-rays at the patient’s skin from outside their body.
How does radiation therapy work?
Radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy) is used to shrink tumors and destroy cancer cells. Radiation can be directed at either the entire body or just part of it. It’s often used when surgery isn’t an option, as it’s less invasive than surgery and can treat some cancers that are too close to vital organs for surgeons to operate safely.
A radiation therapist will measure you from head to toe, identifying any areas of concern such as tumors or suspicious tissue growths.
What are the side effects of radiation therapy?
The most common side effects of radiation therapy are skin irritation and swelling. Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth sores. There’s also an increased risk of developing other cancers because radiation can cause damage to cells.
How is radiation therapy used to treat cancer?
Radiation therapy can be used to help shrink tumors and destroy cancer cells. It’s delivered by a machine that sends high-energy beams of radiation through the body. This can be done with or without surgery, depending on what’s needed. Radiation is most often used after surgery to reduce the chance of recurrence.
What are the types of radiation therapy?
There are two types of radiation therapy: external and internal. External radiation is also known as radiotherapy and is used to shrink tumors by destroying cancer cells. Internal radiation uses radioactive material, such as seeds or pellets, to kill cells that may have spread to other parts of the body from where they originated.