What does radiotherapy involve?
Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, is a treatment option used in cancer care. It uses ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, gamma rays, or particle radiation, to destroy cancer cells or prevent them from dividing and growing. Here is an explanation of what radiotherapy involves:
1. Consultation: Before undergoing radiotherapy, you will have a consultation with your radiation oncologist, a healthcare professional specializing in radiation therapy. During this meeting, your doctor will assess your medical condition, discuss the specific type of radiotherapy suitable for you, and explain potential side effects and risks.
2. Imaging and Treatment Planning: To plan the precise location and dosage of radiation, you might undergo various imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans. These images help your radiation oncology team determine the exact area that needs to be targeted and plan the best treatment approach.
3. Simulation: Prior to starting treatment, you might have a simulation session where you lie down on a treatment couch in the same position you will be in during actual treatment. This helps check the accuracy of your positioning and ensures comfort during therapy.
4. Radiation Therapy Sessions: Radiotherapy treatments are given in a series of sessions, typically on weekdays, for a specific duration prescribed by your doctor. The frequency and duration of sessions depend on the type and stage of cancer being treated.
5. Delivery of Radiation: During a radiotherapy session, you will be positioned on the treatment table, and a machine called a linear accelerator will deliver high-energy radiation to the targeted area. The radiation beam can be adjusted to precisely target the cancer cells while sparing nearby healthy tissues.
6. Monitoring and Follow-up: Throughout your radiotherapy treatment, your healthcare team will closely monitor your progress, manage side effects, and assess response to therapy. After completing the prescribed course of radiotherapy, you will have follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your recovery and long-term health.
Remember, radiotherapy is a localized treatment primarily aimed at destroying cancer cells in the targeted area. It is often combined with other treatment modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy to achieve a comprehensive and effective cancer treatment plan.