Why is this procedure done?
This procedure is done to treat cancer and other diseases. It uses a machine to give radiation from outside your body. The machine sends beams of high-energy x-rays straight to the tumor. This harms cancer cells and causes their death. It may also help signs, such as pain, that are caused by the tumor. Other treatments may be used with radiation, like chemo, stimulation of your immune system, or surgery. Radiation may be given to many parts of your body. Some of them are: ‚
- Head and neck
- Chest
- Arms and legs
- Bones
- Belly
- Pelvic area
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What will the results be?
- Shrink the tumor. Sometimes, this is done so less surgery is needed to remove a tumor.
- Lower cancer pain
- Stop the spread of cancer cells
- After surgery, it may be used to make sure the cancer is gone.
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- If you are pregnant or could be pregnant
- If you are breastfeeding
Before your procedure: ‚
- You will meet with a doctor who decides the best place for the radiation to go. They will mark this place with a special ink and maybe a long-lasting ink called a tattoo. This is called the simulation phase. The radiation will go to that same place with each treatment.
- Based on where your treatment is, a form or brace is made to help hold you still during your treatment.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will lie on a table or sit in a chair. A machine directs the radiation beam to the place marked with ink. This helps to make sure that the cancer cells are the target. The therapist may need to block other parts of your body with shields. They will use the brace or form you had made to hold you in place.
- The therapist runs the machine from a nearby room. You will be watched through a window or on a TV screen. You can talk to the therapist over an intercom. It is important to be still during the procedure. This is to make sure that the radiation reaches only the target area. Breathe like always. You do not need to hold your breath.
- The therapist runs the machine to give the radiation over the target area. If you feel on edge or have any concerns, tell the therapist right away.
- You may be at the treatment center for around 30 minutes. Once the therapist has the machine lined up with your treatment area, it only takes 1 to 5 minutes to give the radiation therapy.
- A radiation treatment does not hurt.
What happens after the procedure?
You can go home right after the treatment and may go back to your normal activities. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- You do not need to stay away from other people with this type of treatment.
- Take all your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of liquids each day.
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
Take good care of your skin at the treated area: ‚
- Do not scratch, rub, scrub, or use soap when you wash the marks. Wash with water and pat them dry.
- Be gentle when washing skin the radiation touched.
- Do not use too much heat or cold on the area, such as with a heating pad or ice pack.
- Wear loose, soft cotton clothing.
- Avoid using tape or other adhesives on the skin.
- Ask your doctor what lotion you should use to keep radiated skin as healthy as possible.
- You may get sunburned more easily where the radiation went into your body. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
What follow-up care is needed?
- You will have a regular plan for radiation. This may be each day or many times per week. It will carry on for a certain number of weeks.
- Your doctor will tell you the schedule planned for you.
- Your condition needs close watching. Your doctor will see you throughout your treatments. Be sure to keep these visits. Side effects are simpler to care for if caught early. Talk about problems with your doctor. Your doctor may order blood tests to check the effects of radiation to your body.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. This means: ‚
- Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
- Choose many kinds of fruits and vegetables. Fresh or frozen is best.
- Cut back on solid fats like butter or margarine. Eat less fatty or processed foods.
- Eat more low fat or lean meats like chicken, fish, or turkey. Eat less red meat.
- Limit beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Avoid caffeine.
- If you need help, ask to see a dietitian.
What problems could happen?
- Side effects can depend on the dose of radiation, the number of treatments, and the part of the body getting the radiation.
- There can be general effects from radiation such as feeling weak and tired. These often go away after the whole therapy is done.
- There can be local effects to the area of your body where the radiation goes. These include:
- Dry, irritated skin on the area where the radiation is going
- Hair loss at the radiation site
- Dry mouth if the throat area is targeted
- Upset stomach, throwing up, or loose stools if the radiation is going to your belly
- The doctors try to protect organs on all sides of the cancer from radiation. Radiation can hurt healthy cells too. Sometimes, harm to other organs may happen.
- Reduced white blood cell count
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, anal itching, pain, or the skin where the radiation goes looks infected.
- Loose bowel movement or not able to have a bowel movement
- Loss of appetite or sudden weight loss
- New or unusual swelling or lumps happen
- Lasting upset stomach and throwing up even when drugs are taken
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/TreatmentTypes/Radiation/UnderstandingRadiationTherapyAGuideforPatientsandFamilies/understanding-radiation-therapy-external-radiation-therapy ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/radiation ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚