 |
Radiation therapy is also popularly known as the "radio-therapy". Radiation therapy is one of the widely used cancer therapy. This therapy is very effective in curing the cancer. This therapy... |
Radiation therapy is also popularly known as the “radio-therapy”. Radiation therapy is one of the widely used cancer therapy. This therapy is very effective in curing the cancer. This therapy involves the use of radiations or the “high energy waves” that penetrates into the body, destroying the cancer cells, restricting their growth and the ability to reproduce. There are many benefits and hazards radiation therapy, but the benefits sure outweigh the hazards caused by the radiation therapy.
The benefit of this therapy is that it is relatively pain free kind of treatment compared to other cancer treatments. This therapy can be effectively used for curing any stage of cancer. This therapy can be effectively carried on, in combination with other cancer treatments, like the chemotherapy, for much effective results. This therapy is also used before the surgery of the cancerous tumor, as the radiations are effective in “shrinking the tumor”, making it easy for the doctor to remove it and less time consuming. In addition, it is used after the surgery for treating any kind of “residual microscopic disease”. The radiation therapy also lessens the chances of the cancer returning.
There are many benefits and hazards of radiation therapy. However, the hazards or these side effects can be easily treated on consulting your doctor. There are chances of the radiations destroying the normal body cells while treating the cancerous cells is possible. The hazards of this treatment various from person, also depending on the concentration of the radiations involved. After this therapy, the patient may experience nausea and tired feeling. The other effects are hair loss and low blood count etc. Pregnant women should strictly avoid this therapy, as the radiations harm the foetus.
A person may also experience late side effects of the radiation therapy over a period like scarring, carcinogenicity etc. This therapy may also lead to some genetic effects, if the person undergoes radiation for a longer duration and more frequently. The radiation therapy may also have some side effects on the organs like the skin, mucous membrane and the accessory glands, when exposed to the radiation therapy.