Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy which is also known as radiotherapy is an effective way to destroy cancer cells that may remain after a surgery is completed. Radiotherapy involves use of high-energy rays like X-rays from cobalt or radioactive iodine. Because of this, Radiation Therapy is also referred to as x-ray therapy, and cobalt therapy. Along with killing any other cancer cells that may have remained in the body, Radiotherapy also reduces the risk of recurrence. And this, above all else, is one of the things cancer patients want.
Radiation therapy is relatively easy to tolerate, and its side effects are limited to the area being treated, unlike Chemotherapy, where such side effects like the loss of hair may occur. Most of the side effects are minor, and occur after you get your treatments, then go away afterwards. Some of these side effects are:
- Itchyness
- Soreness
- Dry Skin
- Hair loss around area where radiotherapy occurs
- Nausea
Some other side effects that rarely happen with Radiotherapy, but may cause some concern, are:
- Thickening of the skin and underlying structures
- Damage to nerves
- Damage to the bowel or waterworks.
- Damage to the heart and lungs.
- Even rarer, a secondary malignancy may be induced.
- Infertility
Radiation therapy can be used to effectively treat many kinds
of cancer in almost any part of the human body. About half of
all patients with cancer are treated with radiotherapy, and have
a greater rate of success then chemotherapy, not to mention a lower
risk of side effects, and very few major side effects that often
do not occur. If you have cancer, and are interesting in Radiotherapy,
consult your doctor, so you can see if Radiotherapy is best for
you.