Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The radiation, typically X-rays, gamma rays, or particle beams, damages the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. It is often used in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy, or both, and can be used to treat a wide variety of cancers. The treatment is carefully planned by a team of medical professionals to minimize damage to healthy tissues near the tumor. The effectiveness varies depending on the type and stage of cancer.

Radiotherapy meaning with examples

• Following the surgical removal of the tumor, the patient underwent a course of radiotherapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. The radiation targeted the specific area where the cancer had been located, minimizing exposure to the rest of the body.
• Patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer often receive radiotherapy as a primary treatment option, delivering radiation directly to the prostate gland to destroy cancerous cells. Careful planning ensures the bladder and rectum are shielded from radiation.
• Radiotherapy, sometimes called radiation therapy, can be employed as a palliative treatment to alleviate symptoms such as bone pain caused by cancer that has spread. The goal is to improve the patient's quality of life.
• Before initiating radiotherapy, the medical team conducted thorough imaging scans to map the precise location and size of the tumor. This allowed them to precisely target the radiation, sparing surrounding healthy organs from unnecessary exposure to the radiation beams.
• The oncologist explained the potential side effects of radiotherapy, including skin changes, fatigue, and nausea, and outlined supportive care measures to help manage these symptoms. This discussion enabled the patient to make an informed decision.