Radiation therapy is a major form of cancer treatment. Cancerous tumors are made up of cells that grow and reproduce by dividing. Radiation therapy works by preventing cells from reproducing. It is used in a little more than half of the people who have cancer. Radiation therapy cures cancer about half of the time. In other cases, it is used to ease symptoms caused by cancer.

Radiation can be used alone, but it is most often combined with surgery or used in combination with chemotherapy. It can be used before surgery to shrink a tumor, making it easier for the surgeon to remove what is left. It can be used during surgery when the exact area that needs treatment is easily identified and exposed, and the other organs and tissue not needing treatment can be protected. It can be used after surgery to stop the growth of cancer cells that are unable to be removed by surgery or may be invisible to the eye.

There are two kinds of radiation therapy. One is known as external beam radiation or teletherapy. In this treatment the source of radiation comes from outside the body. Radiation is directed toward the tumor. The second kind is called brachytherapy. This uses an internal radiation source that is placed next to or within the tumor. Brachytherapy gives a dose of radiation exactly where it is needed over time. Sometimes both of these methods are combined. Nearby areas are shielded in order for healthy tissue to be protected from the radiation. Sometimes all the healthy cells cannot be protected. Some of the following side effects may occur:
* tiredness (fatigue) ,
* skin irritation,
* mouth soreness,
* nausea and vomiting,
* diarrhea,
* rectal and vaginal soreness,
* hair loss, and
* bleeding or infection.

Your physician will watch you for these side effects. If they become severe, your treatment may be stopped for a while, or your dose lowered. In extreme cases, your treatment may be discontinued. The usual length of time for full radiation treatment is 6-8 weeks of small daily doses. This way, your body can better tolerate the treatment. To learn more about radiation therapy, call your local chapter of the American Cancer Society, or call (800) ACS-2345 or the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go