What is main difference between treating cancer with radiation therapy or chemotherapy?

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are two of the most common treatments for cancer. Both treatments work by killing cancer cells, but they do so in different ways.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used to treat cancer anywhere in the body. It is often used to treat solid tumors, such as those found in the breast, lungs, and prostate. Radiation therapy can also be used to treat cancer that has spread to the brain or other parts of the body.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be taken by mouth, injected into a vein, or given as a topical cream. Chemotherapy drugs can travel throughout the body and can kill cancer cells that have spread to different parts of the body.

The main difference between radiation therapy and chemotherapy is the way that they kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells, causing them to die. Chemotherapy drugs interfere with the cell division process of cancer cells, causing them to die.

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can both be effective treatments for cancer. The type of treatment that is best for a particular patient will depend on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, and the patient's overall health.

Other differences between radiation therapy and chemotherapy include:

* Radiation therapy is a localized treatment, while chemotherapy is a systemic treatment. Radiation therapy only affects the area of the body that is being treated, while chemotherapy can affect cells throughout the body.

* Radiation therapy can cause side effects such as skin irritation, hair loss, and nausea. Chemotherapy can cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.

* Radiation therapy is typically given on an outpatient basis, while chemotherapy can be given on an outpatient or inpatient basis.

Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of radiation therapy and chemotherapy to decide which treatment is best for you.