====== How it Works ======
How does it work? A guide for patients
Introduction
This article will explain how radiation therapy works, its different types, and what to expect during treatment.
How does radiation therapy work?
Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation can be used to treat many different types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer.
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells. This damage can prevent the cells from dividing and multiplying, which can lead to their death.
What are the different types of radiation therapy?
There are two main types of radiation therapy:
- External beam radiation therapy delivers radiation from a machine outside the body.
- Internal radiation therapy uses radioactive materials that are placed inside the body.
The type of radiation therapy that is used will depend on the type of cancer being treated and the stage of the cancer.
What to expect during radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is typically given in a series of treatments. The number of treatments needed will depend on the type of cancer being treated and the stage of the cancer.
During each treatment, you will lie on a table and the radiation machine will be positioned over the area of your body that is being treated. The treatment itself is painless, but you may feel some discomfort from the positioning of the machine.
Side effects of radiation therapy
The side effects of radiation therapy can vary depending on the type of radiation therapy that is used and the area of the body that is being treated.
Common side effects of radiation therapy include:
- Skin irritation
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Benefits of radiation therapy
Radiation therapy can be an effective treatment for many different types of cancer. Radiation therapy can:
- Shrink tumors
- Relieve pain
- Improve quality of life
- Help you live longer
Risks of radiation therapy
Radiation therapy can have some risks, including:
- Radiation damage to healthy tissues
- Increased risk of developing other cancers
- Infertility
The risks of radiation therapy will vary depending on the type of radiation therapy that is used and the area of the body that is being treated.
Conclusion
Radiation therapy is a powerful tool that can be used to treat many different types of cancer. However, it is important to understand the potential risks and benefits of radiation therapy before starting treatment.
Secondary keywords
- Radiation therapy
- Cancer treatment
- External beam radiation therapy
- Internal radiation therapy
- Side effects of radiation therapy
