Radiation therapy is a medical treatment that uses high-energy waves or particles to target and destroy cancer cells. The primary objective is to eliminate cancerous cells while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue. This therapy can be administered alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or biological therapy. In some cases, radiation is used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to eradicate any remaining cancer cells. Additionally, radiation therapy can alleviate symptoms by reducing tumor size, thereby decreasing pressure, bleeding, pain, or other related issues.
Radiation Therapy Team:
A specialized team of healthcare professionals collaborates to deliver radiation therapy effectively:
- Radiation Oncologist: A physician who designs and oversees the treatment plan.
- Medical Physicist: Ensures the proper functioning of radiation equipment and oversees quality assurance and treatment planning.
- Dosimetrist: Calculates the appropriate dosage and duration of treatments.
- Radiation Therapy Nurse: Provides nursing care and educates patients about the treatment process and potential side effects.
- Radiation Therapist: Operates the equipment and assists in positioning patients for treatment.
Typical Course of Treatment:
The treatment process generally involves several key steps:
- Consultation and Physical Examination: Initial assessment by the radiation oncologist to determine the suitability of radiation therapy.
- Simulation: The patient is positioned on a treatment table to replicate the exact posture required during therapy. Temporary skin markings may be applied to delineate the treatment area. A CT scan is often performed to assist in treatment planning.
- Treatment Planning: The radiation oncologist, along with the medical physicist and dosimetrist, develops a precise plan to deliver the appropriate radiation dose to the targeted area while sparing healthy tissue.
- Treatment Sessions: Typically, treatments are administered daily from Monday to Friday over a period of six weeks. Each session lasts approximately five minutes, though the entire appointment may take about 30 minutes.
When radiation treatment is completed, the patient is evaluated regularly by all of the treating physicians. The typical course of follow-up includes an evaluation six weeks after completion of radiation therapy, and every six months during the first year.
Side Effects
Side effects vary depending on the treatment area and individual patient factors but may include:
- Skin Changes: Redness, swelling, or irritation in the treated area.
- Fatigue: A common side effect that can persist throughout the treatment course.
- Swelling: Mild swelling of tissues surrounding the treatment site.
Most side effects are temporary and subside after the completion of therapy. It’s important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare team to manage and mitigate these effects effectively.
Key Considerations:
- Radiation treatments are painless.
- External radiation does not make you radioactive; it is safe to be around others during the treatment period.
- Maintaining a well-balanced diet and getting adequate rest can help manage side effects.
- Skin in the treated area may become sensitive; following skincare guidelines provided by your healthcare team is essential.
