Radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells(tumors). Radiation damages the genetic material of cells in the areabeing treated, leaving the cells unable to continue to grow. Althoughradiation damages normal cells as well as cancer cells, the normal cellsusually can repair themselves and function, while the cancer cellscannot.Radiation therapy is used for many different types of cancers, such asbladder cancer, endometrial cancer, and prostate cancer.
What types of radiation therapy are there?
Radiation is delivered in one of two ways.
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Brachytherapy
, or internal radiation therapy, inserts radioactive material directlyinto or near the tumor. The radioactive material is either later removed or left in place. Removable radiation sources are inserted with needles or small thin tubes.Sometimes the material is left in your body (permanent brachytherapy). In thiscase, small beads containing the radioactive material are inserted into the tumor.The beads release radiation at the site of the tumor over a few days or weeks, after which they are no longer radioactive.
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External radiation therapy
, or teletherapy, uses a beam of radiation directed atthe tumor. After the area of cancer is identified, a small ink tattoo is fixed on theskin over the area of cancer so that the radiation beam can be focused on the samespot for each treatment. It is necessary to focus the radiation beam on the cancer cells and to shield nearby healthy tissue from the radiation. External radiationtherapy is usually done in multiple treatments, usually once a day for 5 or 6 days aweek for several weeks.
Does radiation therapy have side effects?
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Fatigue.
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Hair loss near the treated area.
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Skin darkening in the area exposed to a beam of radiation.
If the cancer being treated is in your abdomen or pelvic area, you mayalso experience:
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Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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Loss of appetite.
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Bladder and intestinal irritation.
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Painful urination.
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Vaginal dryness in women and erection problems in men.
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