Which type of radiation is used in cancer treatment?
What is radiation therapy? Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or waves, such as x-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or protons, to destroy or damage cancer cells.
What are the three types of radiation therapy?
Three common types of internal radiation therapy include:Brachytherapy involves radioactive material that is implanted in the body. ... Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is used to treat an exposed tumor during cancer surgery. ... Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is not actually surgery.
What is the most common radiation therapy?
External beam radiation is the most common type of radiation treatment for cancer. External means that the energy beams come from a machine outside of the body. A healthcare professional precisely aims the beams, which penetrate the body to reach the cancer site. Another name for external beam radiation is teletherapy.
Is radiation worse than chemo?
The radiation beams change the DNA makeup of the tumor, causing it to shrink or die. This type of cancer treatment has fewer side effects than chemotherapy since it only targets one area of the body.
What can you not do during radiation treatment?
Spicy Foods – Radiation often causes nausea, loose stools, or constipation. Spicy foods can further irritate the stomach and the rectum and cause discomfort. Raw Fish/Shellfish – Radiation therapy kills healthy cells in addition to cancerous cells, which could reduce the strength of your immune system.
Is radiation therapy painful?
Does radiation therapy hurt? No, radiation therapy does not hurt while it is being given. But the side effects that people may get from radiation therapy can cause pain and discomfort.
Can you be around someone after radiation treatment?
The radiation travels a very short distance, so the effects are mostly to the tumor. However, you may have to limit contact with other people for up to one week after treatment. It is especially important to avoid close contact with children and women who are pregnant.
What are some side effects of radiation treatment?
Specific side effects of radiation therapy that affect parts of the bodyHeadaches.Hair loss.Nausea.Vomiting.Extreme tiredness (fatigue)Hearing loss.Skin and scalp changes.Trouble with memory and speech.More items...•