External Radiation Therapy
External radiation therapy uses a machine called a linear accelerator to send high-energy radiation beams directly to the cancer cells. The patient lies on a table as the machine moves around them. Radiation therapy is typically given five days a week for six to seven weeks. During this time, radiation therapists will take X-rays or CT scans of the affected area to ensure the patient is receiving the correct dose of radiation.
Radiation therapy is not painful. Patients may experience some skin irritation or fatigue due to the treatment, but this is usually temporary.
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy involves placing small radioactive pellets directly into the cancerous tissue. This type of radiation therapy is usually done on an outpatient basis and can take as little as 30 minutes. It can also be used in combination with external radiation therapy.
Systemic Radiation Therapy
Systemic radiation therapy is a type of radiation therapy that delivers radiation to the whole body. This type of radiation therapy is used for cancers that have spread throughout the body, such as some types of leukemia and lymphoma. Systemic radiation therapy can be given orally or intravenously, depending on the type of cancer being treated.
Is radiation treatment painful?
No, radiation treatment is not painful. Patients may experience some skin irritation or fatigue due to the treatment, but this is usually temporary.
What do you do during radiation treatment?
During radiation treatment, the patient lies on a table as the machine moves around them to deliver the radiation beams directly to the cancer cells. Radiation therapy is typically given five days a week for six to seven weeks. During this time, radiation therapists will take X-rays or CT scans of the affected area to ensure the patient is receiving the correct dose of radiation.
Are you awake for radiation treatment?
Yes, patients are usually awake during radiation treatment.
What are the 3 types of radiation treatment?
The three types of radiation treatment are external radiation therapy, brachytherapy, and systemic radiation therapy. External radiation therapy uses a machine called a linear accelerator to send radiation beams directly to the cancer cells. Brachytherapy involves placing small radioactive pellets directly into the cancerous tissue. Systemic radiation therapy is a type of radiation therapy that delivers radiation to the whole body.