Radiation therapy refers specifically to the use of radiation to destroy or shrink tumors.
There are two main types of radiation therapies that can be used to treat cancer: external beam radiation, and internal radiation.
The doctor’s recommendation for radiation will be based on the type, location, and extent of the malignancy as well as the person’s general health.
Radiation therapy could be used to achieve different treatment goals. Radiation therapy may help with different goals, such as enhancing the effectiveness of surgery or preventing the spread and symptomatic relief of advanced cancer.
This article covers the different types and helps you to understanding more about radiation therapy. It also gives an overview of what radiation therapy is and the likely outcomes.
Types of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy for cancer can be divided into two broad categories: internal and external.
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Radiation from the External Beam
External beam radiation is one of the most popular types of radiation treatment to treat cancer.
The energy beams can be emitted from an external machine. The beams penetrate the body to reach the site of cancer and are precisely directed by a healthcare professional.
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Radsiation Therapy in the Internal Organ
Internal radiation therapy is also known as Brachytherapy. It is the second-most common form of radiation treatment.
A doctor places an implant that contains radiation at or near the cancer site during this procedure.
Different shapes are available for implants
- Tube
- Wire
- Capsule
- Sow seeds
- Pellets
Radiation Therapy with Systemic Radiation
Systemic radiation is another type of internal radiotherapy.
A person must swallow a radioactive compound, which travels throughout their body to kill and find the cancerous cell.
Alternatively, a healthcare professional can inject the radioactive material into a person’s vein.
Radiation Therapy Is Why People Choose It
A doctor might recommend radiation therapy for a number of purposes. These can be referred to as trusted Source
- Early-stage or early-stage cancers can be treated.
- Prevent cancer from spreading to other areas of your body.
- The treatment of cancer that has returned.
- Relief from advanced cancer symptoms.
What to Expect When You Undergo Radiation Therapy?
There are many things you should expect in radiation therapy, depending on the type of treatment received.
External Beam Radiation
A person will normally lie on a desk under large machines during an external beam radiotherapy session.
The radiation therapist will first position the person inside the machine. After that, the radiation therapist will take the patient into a separate room.
The patient should remain still and not move during treatment. They don’t usually have to hold their airway. The machine will make clicking, clicking, and whirring sound effects.
The radiation therapist can be reached through a speaker system located in the room.
Radiation Therapy Inside
The radioactive implant will be inserted using a tube called “a catheter” or a larger device called “an applicator”.
Once the catheter/applicator is in its proper position, the doctor will attach the radiation source.
In some cases, the implants may remain in the body for as long as it takes a trusted source before being removed.
In some cases, the implant may be placed in the body within a short time frame. The doctor may then repeat the treatment several times per week.
Once treatment is complete, the doctor may remove the catheter/applicator.
Sometimes implants can stay in your body for good, but after some time it will stop emitting radiation.
