What Is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is a non-surgical treatment used in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Radiation is a special energy much like a radiowave or lightwave. It is an invisible entity that is measured by it's activity. Historically, radiation was in the form of a radioactive substance. From there, the ability to produce radiographs (x-ray pictures) and to treat medical conditions, have been common vital parts of the medical community.
The use of ionizing radiation to treat cancer and other diseases is known as radiation therapy. Other common names meaning radiation therapy are x-ray therapy, electron beam therapy and cobalt therapy.
Even when curing the cancer is not possible, radiation therapy can still bring relief. Many patients find the quality of their lives improved when radiation therapy is used to shrink tumors and reduce pressure, bleeding, pain, or other symptoms of cancer. This is called palliative care as opposed to curative.
How Radiation Therapy Works
Radiation therapy can be delivered either externally (teletherapy) or internally by way of an implant, either with seeds or HDR implants, known as brachytherapy.
Most people who receive radiation therapy for cancer are treated with external radiation. This is usually done during multiple outpatient visits to a center. In outpatient external therapy, a machine directs high-energy rays or particles at the cancer or disease site.
