Radiation therapy Farmington –
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy waves to kill cancer cells. It is one of the most common treatments for cancer, and it can be used to treat many different types of cancer. Radiation therapy in Farmington usually takes place in an outpatient setting, which means that you will not have to stay in the hospital overnight. However, there are some cases where radiation therapy may need to be given on an inpatient basis. If you are scheduled to receive radiation therapy, you may be wondering what to expect. In this blog post, we will give you an overview of how radiation therapy works and what you can expect during your treatment.
What is radiation therapy?
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. It is one of the most common types of cancer treatment.
- Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.
- Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which prevents them from growing and dividing. Healthy cells are also affected by radiation, but they are able to repair themselves.
- Cancer cells are more vulnerable to the effects of radiation than healthy cells because they grow and divide more rapidly.
- There are two types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy and internal beam radiation therapy. External beam radiation therapy delivers radiation from a machine outside the body. Internal beam radiation therapy delivers radiation from a device placed inside the body, close to the cancer cells (this is also called brachytherapy).
- Radiation therapy is usually given in small doses over a period of time. The number of treatments depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Most people who receive radiation therapy have daily treatments for several weeks.
Radiation therapists are specially trained healthcare professionals who work with patients to deliver radiation therapy safely and effectively. They use sophisticated equipment to target the cancerous tissue while sparing healthy tissue.
How does radiation therapy work?
- Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer. It uses high-energy beams, such as x-rays, to kill cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy can be given externally, by aiming the radiation beams from a machine at your body (external beam radiation), or internally, by placing radioactive material in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are put directly into or near the tumor (internal radiation).
- Most people with cancer will have some type of external beam radiation during their treatment. Internal radiation is used less often.
- You may hear your doctor refer to the type of radiation therapy you are getting by its energy level: low-energy (used for skin cancer), medium-energy (used for breast and prostate cancers), or high-energy (used for lung and brain cancers). The higher the energy, the greater the chance it will kill cancer cells. But it also has a greater chance of damaging normal cells. That’s why lower-energy radiation is usually used when possible.
- Radiation therapy usually starts with a planning phase (simulation) to find out exactly where the beams need to be aimed and how much radiation needs to be given. During this phase, you will lie on a table while a machine moves around you taking pictures or x-rays so that the doctors can see exactly where the tumor is located. A mold or cast might be made of your body part so that you can be positioned in exactly the
What are the side effects of radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy can have a number of different side effects, depending on the area of the body that is being treated. Common side effects of radiation therapy include fatigue, skin irritation, and nausea. More serious side effects may include damage to healthy cells and tissues and an increased risk of developing cancer.
What to expect during radiation therapy treatment
- Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used as a standalone treatment, or it may be combined with other cancer treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy.
- Most people who undergo radiation therapy will have daily treatments that last for several weeks. During each treatment session, you will lie on a table while a machine moves around you, delivering the radiation beams.
- You may experience some side effects from radiation therapy, such as fatigue, skin irritation, and nausea. These side effects are usually temporary and will resolve once treatment is completed.
How to prepare for radiation therapy
- Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. The beams can be directed at cancer from outside the body, or they can be placed inside the body near the tumor.
- Most people who have radiation therapy will have it as an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home after each treatment. But some people may need to stay in the hospital for one or more nights.
- Radiation therapy can be used alone or with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. If you’re having radiation therapy as part of your cancer treatment plan, your care team will develop a schedule that’s right for you.
- Most people who receive radiation therapy have some side effects. These side effects usually go away after treatment ends. Some side effects may last longer. talk with your doctor about ways to manage side effects.
Before beginning radiation therapy, your care team will help you prepare for treatment by:
-Answering your questions and addressing any concerns you may have
– explaining what to expect during and after radiation therapy
– Provide instructions on how to take care of yourself during treatment
– teaching you how to avoid infection
– creating a personalized care plan
After radiation therapy – what next?
After radiation therapy, your doctor will monitor your progress and may recommend additional treatments, depending on how well you respond to the initial radiation therapy. The side effects of radiation therapy can vary from person to person, but are usually temporary and can be managed with medication. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible outcome.
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Conclusion
Radiation therapy can be an effective treatment for cancer, and it’s something that you should talk to your doctor about if you’re considering it. It’s important to understand how radiation therapy works and what to expect before you undergo treatment. We hope that this article has provided you with some helpful information on the subject. If you have any further questions, we encourage you to speak with your doctor or a radiation therapist.