Cancer pain can be debilitating and can take an emotional toll on patients. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help manage the pain. Radiation therapy is a popular option for treating cancer-related pain, but how does it work? In such cases, discussing your options with your oncologist is essential.
You can visit reputed websites, such as https://www.targetingcancer.com.au/, to learn more about the different types of radiation therapy available and their effectiveness. Moreover, what should you expect if you choose to undergo radiation treatment for your cancer pain? Take a closer look at this necessary medical procedure.
What Is It?
Radiation therapy is a treatment used to treat cancer by destroying cancer cells and stopping them from growing or spreading. It uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, which are directed at specific body parts where the cancer cells are located. The radiation beams destroy the DNA in the cells, effectively killing them and preventing them from continuing to grow or spread.
Types
The type of radiation therapy used will depend on the type of cancer treated and its location in the body. The two primary types are external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy. EBRT is used to target larger areas, while brachytherapy is best suited for smaller tumours that are located close to the surface of the skin. Additionally, some cancers may require both treatments to fully eliminate them.
Benefits of Radiation Therapy
One advantage of radiation therapy over other forms of treatment is that it can be targeted specifically at where tumours are located while minimising damage to healthy tissue in surrounding areas. This makes it an ideal treatment option for prostate and breast cancer cancers because it allows doctors to focus on treating only those areas affected by the disease without harming nearby organs or tissues. Additionally, it is usually less expensive as it does not require surgery or recovery time after completed treatments.
More importantly, radiation therapy can be used to help relieve pain caused by cancer. Pain relief is one of its essential benefits, as it can make a difference in the quality of life for cancer patients. In addition to reducing pain, radiation treatment can also reduce swelling and inflammation around the tumour, allowing for improved mobility and quality of life for patients.
Side Effects and Risks
As with any medical procedure, there may be some side effects associated with radiation therapy, such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin irritation and hair loss near the area being treated. There may also be long-term risks associated with radiation exposure, including an increased risk of developing secondary cancers years down the line due to damaged DNA in healthy cells exposed during treatments. It’s essential to consult with a doctor before undergoing any kind of medical procedure so they can discuss all potential risks and benefits associated with each particular course of action.
Conclusion
Radiation therapy is a common method used by doctors to treat cancer-related pain. It can effectively manage symptoms while minimising the damage done to healthy tissue in surrounding areas. However, you must speak with your doctor about all potential risks before undergoing any kind of medical procedure to ensure you understand all possible outcomes before deciding which course is right for you and your health needs. By understanding how radiation works and familiarising yourself with its potential risks and benefits beforehand, you can ensure that you receive the proper care when seeking relief from your cancer pain.