Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is one of the most common cancer treatments, and it is used to treat many different types of cancer.
Radiation therapy can be used to cure cancer, to shrink tumors, or to relieve pain. It can be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy.
There are two main types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy.
External beam radiation therapy uses a machine to aim high-energy rays at the cancer. The rays travel through the body and kill the cancer cells.
Internal radiation therapy uses radioactive materials that are placed inside the body near the cancer. The materials release radiation that kills the cancer cells.
Radiation therapy can cause side effects, but the side effects usually go away after treatment is finished. Some of the most common side effects of radiation therapy include:
- Fatigue
- Skin changes
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores
Radiation therapy is a safe and effective cancer treatment. It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of radiation therapy before making a decision about treatment.
Here are some additional information about radiation therapy:
- Radiation therapy is a local treatment, which means that it only affects the area of the body where the cancer is located.
- Radiation therapy can be used to treat cancer in any part of the body.
- Radiation therapy can be used to cure cancer, to shrink tumors, or to relieve pain.
- Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy.
- Radiation therapy can cause side effects, but the side effects usually go away after treatment is finished.
If you are considering radiation therapy for cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment.