Radiation Therapy Procedure
Overview
Radiation therapy is a common option for treating different types of cancer. It uses powerful energy beams, usually X-rays, to target and destroy cancer cells. In some cases, proton therapy serves as an alternative type of radiation.
Radiation works by damaging the genes within cells so they can no longer grow and multiply normally. While both healthy and cancer cells can be affected, healthy cells usually recover more easily. The main goal is to eliminate or control cancer while minimizing side effects. Advanced equipment helps improve results and reduce harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
Modern technology allows for highly accurate treatment. The care team carefully directs the radiation to the tumor to protect as much healthy tissue as possible. There are two main approaches:
- External Beam Therapy: A machine called a linear accelerator sends beams from outside the body.
- Brachy Therapy: A small radioactive implant is placed in or near the cancer inside the body.
| Method | Source of Radiation | How it’s Given |
|---|---|---|
| External beam | Linear accelerator machine | Outside the body |
| Brachytherapy | Radioactive implant | Inside or near the tumor |
Why It’s Done
Radiation therapy plays a key role in cancer treatment for many people. Doctors may use it in several ways:
| Purpose of Radiation Therapy | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary treatment | Used alone to attack cancer. |
| Pre-surgery (neoadjuvant) | To shrink tumors before operation. |
| Post-surgery (adjuvant) | To target remaining cancer cells. |
| Alongside chemotherapy | To boost the effects of other treatments. |
| Symptom management | To relieve pain or other symptoms. |
Doctors sometimes combine radiation with chemotherapy to improve the chance of killing more cancer cells. In some cases, they use it when surgery is not possible. Radiation may also help control symptoms, like pain, in advanced cancer.
Possible Hazards
Radiation therapy can affect both cancerous and healthy cells in the area being treated. Side effects vary for each person and depend on the body part receiving radiation and the dose. Some people may feel fine, while others may have noticeable problems during or soon after treatment.
Common Short-Term Risks
| Body Area | Typical Effects |
|---|---|
| Any area | Fatigue, hair loss at the treatment site, skin changes |
| Head and neck | Dry mouth, sore throat, thick saliva, taste changes |
| Chest | Cough, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath |
| Abdomen | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea |
| Pelvis | Diarrhea, bladder issues, sexual problems |
Skin changes, such as redness or irritation at the radiation site, are common but usually get better after treatment ends. Sometimes, effects appear months or years after therapy; these are called late effects. These could include lasting organ changes or, in rare cases, a new cancer starting years down the line due to treatment.
Getting Ready for Treatment
Preparing for external beam radiation therapy includes several important steps. First, a patient meets with a radiation oncologist, a doctor trained to use radiation for cancer treatment. Together, they decide if radiation therapy is the right choice.
Once the team and patient agree to proceed, they begin planning. The team uses a process called simulation to determine where the radiation should go. The patient lies on a special table and is positioned comfortably using cushions or props.
This helps the patient stay still during actual treatment. Sometimes, a custom mold or mesh mask keeps the patient in place. The care team marks the exact area to be targeted on the skin. These marks may be temporary or small tattoos, depending on the patient’s needs.
Next, the team performs planning scans such as CT or MRI. The patient remains in the same position while wearing the mask or mold. These images help the care team map out the precise area for radiation. Other preparations are important too. Good nutrition and hydration support healing and energy.
A dietitian may provide advice on what to eat before and during treatment. Patients often eat a light meal a few hours before a session. The care team also reviews the patient’s medical history and manages any other health conditions.
Key Preparation Steps
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Meet with Doctor | Discuss options with the radiation oncologist. |
| Simulation | Practice positioning, use cushions, sometimes create a mold or mask. |
| Marking | Identify the target areas with skin marks or tattoos. |
| Planning Scans | Get images to map out the treatment area (CT/MRI). |
| Diet & Hydration | Eat a light meal, drink fluids, get dietitian advice if needed. |
| Health Review | Check general health and manage other conditions. |
What You Might Experience
Radiation therapy is given on an outpatient basis, so patients can return home the same day. Treatment is commonly scheduled five days a week and may continue for one to ten weeks, depending on the type and location of cancer. Spacing out treatments lets healthy tissues recover between sessions.
In certain cases, only one session is needed to ease symptoms, especially for advanced cancer. During external radiation therapy, patients lie still on a treatment table while a machine, known as a linear accelerator, delivers targeted energy to a specific area of the body.
The equipment may rotate around the patient to reach the treatment area from different directions, and a buzzing sound is normal as the machine operates. Most appointments last between 10 and 30 minutes. Much of this time goes into making sure the body is in the correct position.
Special molds or supports sometimes help keep the patient comfortable and steady. The process is painless, similar to undergoing an X-ray, though some may feel nervous or uneasy. If patients feel discomfort, they can talk to the care team through video or audio systems.
Types of Radiation
| Type | How It Works |
|---|---|
| External Beam | Uses a machine outside the body to send radiation to the tumor. |
| Brachytherapy | Delivers radiation from inside the body, close to or in the tumor. |
| Internal Radiation | Sometimes another term for brachytherapy or other internal sources. |
Treatment Outcomes
Radiation therapy teams monitor patients closely and work to make each session as safe and comfortable as possible. Fatigue is the most common side effect. Some people also notice skin changes near the treated area, like redness or dryness.
Other side effects depend on where the radiation is given. For example, treating the head may lead to hair loss, while treating the belly can cause stomach upset. Doctors usually use imaging scans after radiation therapy to check if the tumor has decreased in size.
Results can appear quickly for some people, while others may not see changes for several weeks or months. Patients are encouraged to ask their healthcare team about expected timelines.
