Radiation Oncology

In RC Planes of rcplanes (November 29, 2009 12:37 am)

Over 50% of all cancer patients will visit a radiation oncology specialist for radiation therapy at some point during their treatment. High-energy radiation beams act against cells that reproduce rapidly, which is why they’re good at targeting cancer cells. Sometimes normal cells are also injured in the process, but given time, they will heal, whereas the sped-up cancer cells will simply self-destruct. Radiation treatments are normally administered in small doses, five days a week, over a six or seven week period.

While radiation oncology professionals say that radiology oncology is safe, there are possible side effects. Skin reactions similar to sunburn are common, as is fatigue and weakness. Hair loss may occur in the area being treated but will usually grow back following the treatment. Some people report discomfort while swallowing, nausea, diarrhea and ulceration of the mucus membrane. While receiving this therapy, white blood cell counts decrease, which makes a patient more susceptible to infection. Often the side effects resolve themselves within a few months of finishing treatment.

The success of radiation oncology depends upon the size of the tumor and the type of cancer. For example, there are highly radiosensitive cancer cells — like leukemia, lymphomas and germ cell tumors. So if lymphoma is found in one localized area, there is a good probability the cancer can be eradicated. On the other hand, some tumors are radio-resistant, such as renal cell cancer, melanoma and metastatic cancers that have spread throughout the whole body. While radiotherapy may be prescribed along with another treatment, the medical problem cannot be helped by radiation alone.

Even though there are many benefits of radiation oncology treatment, some people would rather not get involved with oncology radiology because of the possible long-term side effects. Some people who underwent brain irradiation have reported memory impairment and confusion, personality changes, dental problems or cataracts. Others say their treatment led to high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, the development of another cancer, infertility or hypothyroidism. Every person reacts differently to radiation therapy, so it’s important that patients talk to their doctors about the potential risks and rewards associated with this treatment.

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