Radiotherapy Side Effects

Radiotherapy Side Effects

Introduction

Radiation therapy (radiotherapy or radiation treatment) is the use of radiation to treat various types of abnormal growth in the body. Most of the abnormal growth we treat is in the form of a cancer, but we also treat benign growths such as meningiomas, keloids and desmoid tumors that are local growth processes that do not spread throughout the body like a cancer does. Radiation is most commonly given in the form of x-rays, which are invisible light particles that can pass through the body and treat tumor cells (Liebel, 2004). Radiation works to control tumors by several different ways, but the most prominent is its ability to damage DNA, the genetic material that the tumor uses to grow and multiply. When a tumor cell sustains sufficient DNA damage, it can no longer reproduce and will die. Radiation therapy is painless and leaves no radioactive patient, but can cause side effects. These effects depend on the space radiation. Most side effects occur only in areas subjected to irradiation (Schlegel, Bortfeld & Grosu, 2006). The most frequent side effects which are caused by radiotherapy: throat irritation, dry mouth, loss of appetite, nausea, skin reactions, fatigue, hair loss.

Thesis Statement

Radiation therapy can cause several side effects, but there are things you can do to alleviate them. Doctors who use radiation treatment to fight cancer should do more to help patients deal with the side effects of radiation therapy.

Discussion

Side effects of radiation treatment are different for each patient. During the course of their therapy, may not have side effects or they are very mild. Some people have major problems with side effects, the intensity of them depends on the treatment dose and the body part treated. Your overall health can also affect how your body reacts to radiation therapy and if you do have side effects (Schlegel, Bortfeld &Grosu, 2006).

The most common side effects are fatigue, skin changes and loss of appetite. These can result from treatment and are usually mild. Other side effects are associated with the treatment of specific areas, e.g., hair loss is characteristic of radiation treatment to the head (Liebel, 2004).

During radiation therapy, patient should try not to do too much. When he feels tired, he should limit his activities and use his time to relax. The mental and physical state does not remains the same as before, thus he should limit his activities. Also, patient should sleep more at nightsss, and also try to take some rest in day time.

Radiation therapy can cause hair loss, but only in the treated area. Radiation to the head causes the collapse of part or all of the hair. Although the hair grows after completing treatment for most patients is very difficult to get used to hair loss, whether of the head, face or body (Cukier, McCullough & Gingerelli, 2001). Although the scalp may be tender after the hair loss can be covered with a hat, turban or scarf during ...