The Basics
Radiation therapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses high energy radiation to kill cancer cells and stop their spread. It is often used to treat cancer or to help relieve symptoms caused by the disease, such as pain or difficulty swallowing. Radiation therapy is sometimes used along with other treatments such as chemotherapy or surgery.
Your doctors will determine if radiation therapy is appropriate for you. Radiation can be given externally from machines (external-beam radiation) or can be placed into the body near the cancerous area (called brachytherapy). It can also be given by mouth or injection (known as systemic radiation therapy).
Radiation therapy takes place in a hospital or clinic and is often performed by a radiation therapist after consultation with your doctors.
A patient undergoing radiation therapy.
Risks and precautions
Radiation therapy is associated with certain risk and potential complications. While the goal is to target cancer cells, healthy cells can also be damaged in the radiation process.
Side effects vary depending on the area of the body being targeted. Some side effects can include:
- skin irritation or redness
- nausea and vomiting
- decreased appetite
- dry mouth
- hair loss
- fatigue
- anxiety
- pain
Talk to your doctor if you are worried about any of the symptoms or side effects you experience after this procedure.
It is important that you understand all the risks of complications and side effects of the procedure, and what you or your doctor can do to avoid them. Make sure that your doctor is aware of all your concerns.
Before the test
Before the procedure, your doctor will have a planning session (called simulation) to develop the best treatment plan for you. This may involve imaging tests such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan to determine the location and size of the tumor.
The process can take up to an hour. A technician may also create a head mask or body mold for you to wear during treatments to help you stay still so that the radiation accurately targets the desired tissue.
If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications, supplements, or herbal products, make sure you inform your doctor or pharmacist. Ask them whether it is necessary for you to stop taking any of these medications and products before the procedure. It is also important to tell them if you have allergies to certain medications or have certain medical conditions.