Cancer is a dangerous disease that is frightening. One treatment that is carried out is radiotherapy or radiation therapy by utilizing light as energy intensive to kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy generally uses the power of X-rays, but can also utilize the power of protons or other types of energy. Radiation therapy functions to damage cancer cells by destroying the genetic material of cells that control the growth and division of cancer cells.
Treating Different Types of Cancer
Most cancer sufferers will receive radiation therapy as part of treatment. Radiotherapy is used by doctors to help treat almost all types of cancer. This radiation therapy is also useful in treating several types of benign tumors. Here are some reasons why radiotherapy is done:
- As the only type of treatment for cancer.
- Combination with other types of treatment such as chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells.
- Stopping the growth of cancer cells that still exist after surgery (adjuvant therapy).
- Decrease the size of the cancer before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy).
- In advanced cancer, in order to relieve symptoms caused by cancer.
Types of Radiotherapy Treatment
In general there are two types of radiotherapy used for the treatment of cancer, namely:
- External radiotherapy. External radiotherapy is the most common type of radiotherapy. A machine will emit radiation, usually a high-intensity X-ray. Radiation will be directed at the part of the body affected by cancer. Each session usually takes about 10-30 minutes. You will not feel pain or heat during therapy.
- Internal radiotherapy. There are two ways that internal radiotherapy is generally done, namely:
- Implants. Generally the implant will be placed in a part of the body affected by cancer or nearby. The size and shape of the implant varies greatly with different radioactive material. Mainly used for cancers of the uterus, rectum, cervix, prostate, mouth and neck.
- Fluid. By drinking liquids that contain radioactive iodine. For example for the treatment of thyroid cancer. The content of radioactive iodine will be absorbed by the bloodstream, then absorbed by thyroid cells either affected by cancer or normal. Iodine will then accumulate and destroy cells in the thyroid ...
In addition, there are several new methods of radiotherapy that are used to fight cancer cells.
- Imaging radiotherapy or image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), which allows radiation to more accurately lead to cancer cells.
- Radiotherapy with modulated intensity or Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) which is especially useful for the treatment of cancer of the head and neck.
- Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) which can be used by directing to small cancers.
- Proton beam therapy or proton beam therapy which can also minimize healthy tissue to be exposed to radiation thanks to the high accuracy of cancer alone.
Consider the Risks of Side Effects
The side effects of radiotherapy depend on which part of the body is exposed to radiation and how much intensity is used. It is possible that one person does not experience side effects, while others experience several side effects simultaneously.
Most side effects are temporary, able to be controlled, and most importantly will disappear soon after the therapy is finished.
- Head and neck. Radiotherapy carried out around the head and neck, possible side effects include dry mouth conditions, thickened saliva, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, taste changes in food consumed, nausea, mouth sores, and tooth decay.
- Chest. Radiation therapy carried out on the chest can cause side effects such as coughing, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing.
- Stomach. In the abdomen, side effects that occur are usually nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Pelvis. Side effects can include bladder irritation, frequent urination, diarrhea, and sexual dysfunction as a result of radiation therapy carried out around the pelvis.
In addition there are also risks that are commonly complained after radiation therapy, including hair loss, skin irritation at the site of therapy, and feeling tired.
These effects will usually diminish several days or weeks after treatment is complete. Although rare, radiotherapy also has the possibility of long-term effects. For example treatment of the genitals or pelvis risks causing permanent infertility.
Things That Must Be Prepared
Before you undergo external beam radiation therapy, the medical team will provide guidance in a planning process to ensure that radiation reaches the exact location of the body that needs it. Generally planning includes:
- Radiation simulation. During the simulation, the radiation therapy team will ask you to lie down in a position that makes you comfortable. Pillows and liners are used to ensure that your position does not change during therapy. Then the part of your body that will be treated will be marked.
- Scanning plan. The radiation therapy team will scan with a computerized tomography or CT-scan to determine the area of the body that requires radiation.
After the planning process, the radiotherapy team will decide on the type of radiation and the dosage the patient will receive based on the type and stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and the reason for the radiotherapy. The right focus and dose of radiotherapy are important to maximize the effects of radiation in destroying cancer cells while minimizing the effects that can be detrimental.
About four out of ten cases of cancer are successfully cured using radiotherapy as part of treatment. But the results of radiotherapy depend on the type and stage of cancer and other treatments you receive.
Proper cancer treatment is very important to be done by a trusted medical expert. Also accompany by adopting a healthy lifestyle, positive thinking and try to stay active during the cancer healing process.
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