Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is local therapy. It uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It affects cancer cells only in the treated area.
Doctors use two types of radiation therapy to treat cancer. Sometimes people receive both types:
- External radiation: The radiation comes from a machine. Most patients go to the hospital or clinic for their treatment, generally 5 days a week for several weeks. In some cases, external radiation is given during surgery.
- Internal radiation (implant radiation): The radiation comes from radioactive material placed in thin tubes put directly into or near the tumor. The patient stays in the hospital, and the implants generally remain in place for several days. Usually they are removed before the patient goes home.
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The side effects of radiation therapy depend mainly on the amount of radiation given and the part of the body that is treated. Radiation therapy to the abdomen and pelvis may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, rectal leakage, or urinary discomfort. In addition, the skin in the treated area may become red, dry, and tender.
Patients are likely to become very tired during radiation therapy, especially in the later weeks of treatment. Resting is important, but doctors usually advise patients to try to stay as active as they can.
Although the side effects of radiation therapy can be distressing, the doctor can usually treat or control them.
