Leul Sisay - Melke Beqagn (Official Audio)

Leul Sisay - Melke Beqagn (Official Audio)

What is radiation therapy?

 

#Ethiopia Radiation therapy is the ability to kill cancer cells and prevent them from multiplying or multiplying with large doses of radiation that we can control. Currently, the most widely used to do this is X-rays, which generate a lot of energy. Radiation uses more than just X-ray energy, but also electron, proton, and gamma ray potential energies. Radiation is the perfect option to stop cancer that has not spread.

 

2) Why is radiation recommended?

 

Radiation itself is a major cancer treatment tool. Estimates show that radiation is used to treat about 50% of cancer patients. It is divided into three options:

 

A) Curative:

This type of option uses radiation primarily as a cancer treatment. This treatment can sometimes be combined with chemotherapy to provide relief. It is called Chemoradiotherapy.

 

b) To help with other cancer treatments:

This includes neoadjuvant radiation therapy given before other treatments: it plays a significant role in shrinking the cancer. Sometimes it is given after other treatments (adjuvant); It helps to completely destroy any cancer cells that are left or survived after the other treatments.

 

c) To heal pain:

In addition to the benefits listed above, radiation can also be used to relieve or cure pain. It does this by making the cancer shrink in size or prevent it from spreading. This is known as palliative care.

 

3) How does radiation therapy work?

 

Radiation therapy works primarily on the part of the patient's body affected by cancer. Radiation therapy is performed not too far from the affected area. Cancer cells begin to die within days or weeks. Then they have a dying process that takes weeks and months. The treatment should be carried out in a way that does not affect healthy cells as much as possible. This does not mean that there will be no side effects after the treatment.

 

4) How is radiation given?

 

There are two types of radiation therapy: intradermal radiation therapy and external radiation therapy. Depending on the type of disease, one or both types of radiation therapy may be given.

 

i) External Beam Radiotherapy

This treatment is a remote radiation therapy focused on a selected part of the patient's body with the help of large machines. This treatment is similar to an X-ray. Radiation therapy is the process of lying on a table and being treated by a rotating radiation machine. During treatment, the radiation is invisible to the eye; It cannot be touched by hand.

 

ii) Brachytherapy:

This treatment is done using radiation-emitting elements that can emit radiation. Brachytherapy, in particular, is a short-term or long-term treatment with substances that are implanted in the body.

 

5) Where is radiation therapy given?

 

Radiation therapy is most often given in oncology clinics. It is appropriate for the patient to walk from home and take the treatment for a few minutes. Sometimes, however, it may be given in hospital.

 

6) How long is radiation therapy given?

 

If the treatment is completely curative, it will take an average of 5-7 weeks. The treatment is usually given on weekdays from Monday to Friday and can be done once or twice a day.

 

7) What precautions should be taken before radiation therapy?

 

A) It is important to consult with the oncologist beforehand as there may be safety side effects following the treatment.

 

b) The patient must avoid any excess associated with the treatment; If possible, it is important to remove stress and create excitement.

Listening to chants or chants before treatment is encouraged; Reading books and trying to chat with family and friends.

 

c) A patient who is the head of the family should arrange a partner who can take care of the children as well as cover the chores.

 

d) A patient who smokes must stop smoking completely before starting radiation therapy. Smoking can reduce the radiation's healing power and even worsen its side effects.

 

e) If there is anything that the patient is worried about or afraid of, it is necessary to discuss it openly with the cancer doctor.

 

f) If the radiation treatment is given above the neck, the necessary examination and treatment must be done by a dentist. If there is a damaged or decayed tooth, it should be extracted. Otherwise, unnecessary oral changes will inevitably occur.

 

g) If there are medical aid materials buried in the patient's body, it is necessary to tell the doctor clearly in advance. In particular, if you have a pacemaker, cochlear implant, or bone-fixing metal implanted, it is necessary to give full information to the cancer specialist.

 

8) Can a patient who receives radiation work?

 

As soon as the radiation starts, there will be less sensation in the area, which may make it easier to perform tasks. But when the days are counted, there will be fatigue and a certain amount of fatigue that follows the treatment. Therefore, a clear consultation with the doctor is required before starting any treatment.

 

9) Can you take radiation during pregnancy?

It is not recommended that a woman be exposed to any type of radiation therapy from the time she is diagnosed with pregnancy. Radiation therapy is inherently more likely to cause genetic changes to the fetus in the womb. Research suggests that it is not recommended for the female to become pregnant during the treatment or for six months after the treatment.

 

10) How will it be known if radiation therapy has worked for the patient?

 

Responses to radiation therapy can take weeks to months, so the patient should be patient and consult with the doctor. Imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET scan) and general examinations should be done at intervals of several months to see the changes of this treatment.

 

Dr. Michael Shaul Lma

Assistant Professor in Cancer Medicine

Haramaya University: Life Fana Hospital