ANTI-CANCER

Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which prevents them from multiplying and growing. Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery. This article provides an overview of radiation therapy, including the types of radiation, the methods of delivery, and the side effects associated with treatment.

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Types of Radiation

There are two types of radiation that are used in cancer treatment: ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation.

- Ionizing radiation: Ionizing radiation is a type of high-energy radiation that can penetrate the body and damage the DNA of cancer cells. Examples of ionizing radiation include X-rays, gamma rays, and proton beams.
- Non-ionizing radiation: Non-ionizing radiation is a type of low-energy radiation that cannot penetrate the body. Examples of non-ionizing radiation include ultrasound and infrared radiation.

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Methods of Delivery

Radiation therapy can be delivered in several different ways, including:

- External beam radiation therapy: External beam radiation therapy involves using a machine called a linear accelerator to deliver high-energy radiation to the cancer from outside the body. The machine is directed at the part of the body being treated, and the radiation is delivered in a precise and controlled manner. This is the most common method of radiation therapy.
- Internal radiation therapy: Internal radiation therapy involves placing a radioactive source inside the body, either in or near the cancer. This method is also known as brachytherapy. The radioactive source can be placed directly into the tumor or into a body cavity or organ.
- Systemic radiation therapy: Systemic radiation therapy involves administering a radioactive substance, either orally or intravenously, which travels through the bloodstream and targets cancer cells throughout the body.

The method of delivery will depend on the type of cancer being treated, the stage of the disease, and other factors such as the patient's overall health and personal preferences.

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Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy can cause a range of side effects, some of which may be severe. The side effects can vary depending on the type of radiation being used, the dose and frequency of treatment, and other factors such as the location of the cancer and the patient's age and overall health.

Some of the most common side effects of radiation therapy include:

- Fatigue
- Skin changes, such as redness, itching, or peeling
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Hair loss in the treated area
- Swelling or inflammation

Some of the more severe side effects of radiation therapy include:

- Damage to healthy tissues or organs near the treated area, such as the lungs, heart, or digestive tract
- Radiation sickness, which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever
- Secondary cancers, which can occur years after treatment

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Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. There are two types of radiation that are used in cancer treatment: ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation. Radiation therapy can be delivered in several different ways, including external beam radiation therapy, internal radiation therapy, and systemic radiation therapy. However, radiation therapy can cause a range of side effects, some of which may be severe. It is important for patients to discuss the potential side effects of radiation therapy with their healthcare provider and to report any side effects they experience during treatment.