Radiation is one of many procedures used in the treatment of cancer. It can be used individually or in combination to other treatments. It is administered externally or internally. There are several beneficial effects in using radiation.
What is Radiation?
According to ehealthMD, approximately 60 percent of cancer patients needs radiation therapy to treat the disease. Radiation can be administered by itself, or with other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy. At high doses, it can kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Process
Radiation uses external beams or internal radiation, the more common approach (also called brachytherapy). It uses special cells in the body (monoclonal antibodies) to deliver the therapy directly to the cancer cells.
Treatment Period
Radiation therapy are usually one- to five-minute treatments, for four to five days weekly, over a five to seven week period.
Beneficial Effects
Radiation can be used before urgery, to shrink cancer and to allow a complete resection.
Post-Surgery Treatment
It can also be used after surgery to treat any microscopic cancerous cells left behind after surgery.
Combination Treatment
If radiation is given with chemotherapy, it improves chances of survival; and if given after chemotherapy, it consolidates the results of the treatment.
Tags: after surgery, Beneficial Effects Radiation, cancer cells, Effects Radiation, other treatments
