Monday, August 17, 2009

Radiation Therapy for Cervical Cancer

Radiation therapy uses certain types of energy to shrink tumors or eliminate cancer cells. Radiation therapy works by damaging a cancer cell's DNA, making it unable to multiply. Although radiation therapy can damage nearby healthy cells, cancer cells are highly sensitive to radiation and typically die when treated. Healthy cells that are damaged during radiation are resilient and are able to fully recover.
Radiation therapy may be given alone, along with chemotherapy, and/or with surgery. The decision to combine radiation therapy with other types of treatment depends on the stage of cervical cancer and other factors.

Radiation therapy may be given: by itself as the sole treatment method after surgery
after or in conjunction with chemotherapy treatmentSome chemotherapy drugs, such as 5-FU and cisplatin, make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation. Both of these chemotherapy drugs are used to treat cervical cancer.

Types of Radiation Therapy Used to Treat Cervical Cancer

Two types of radiation therapy are used to treat cervical cancer: external radiation and internal radiation. One or both types of radiation treatment may be used to treat cervical cancer.

External Radiation

Also called systemic therapy, this type of radiation is given on an outpatient basis and usually given daily for 4 to 6 weeks. It uses x-ray or gamma ray energy to deliver treatment to the affected area. In women with cervical cancer, pelvic external radiation is given and is done so through the use of a machine that resembles an x-ray machine. Each treatment lasts only a few minutes and does not cause any pain.

Internal Radiation

This type of radiation therapy is also called brachytherapy. Brachytherapy uses an implant (a seed, catheter or rod) that is sealed with a radioactive substance. The implant is placed into the uterus through the vagina and treatment is delivered. Brachytherapy is done on an inpatient basis, and the patient is allowed to leave following treatment.

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

Side effects of radiation vary from patient to patient. It all depends on how often treatment is given and at what degree. The three most commonly experienced side effects are:
Fatigue

All radiation patients experience some degree of fatigue during treatment. This is the time when a cancer patient should really utilize her support system to help with chores, errands, child care and other small tasks. Short naps throughout the day and getting uninterrupted sleep at night really make a difference in a person's energy level.


Skin Problems

The skin that has been exposed to treatment may appear red, sunburned, tan, or irritated. The skin is very sensitive and should be treated as so. Patients should avoid perfumes or scented body lotions, tight fitting clothing, and exposing the area to sun (during treatment and for at least one year after).


Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite can lead to fatigue and nutritional deficiencies. It is very important to keep up strength during any cancer treatment, and nutrition is one of the best resources to do that.

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