Radiation therapy is a method of treatment in which a tumor is exposed to radiation. As a rule, due to this effect, the growth of malignant cells is suspended, and the pain syndrome decreases markedly. Radiation irradiation in oncology is used as an independent method of therapy, but is often performed in combination with other methods, for example, with surgery. The course of radiation therapy by an oncologist is prescribed for all types of malignant tumors, when the neoplasm is a seal without cysts and fluid, and also in the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma.
How do they make irradiation with oncology?
Irradiation with oncology is carried out with the help of gamma rays or ionizing, X-ray radiation in a special chamber equipped with a linear particle accelerator. The principle of the medical device is to change the reproductive capacity of cancer cells with the help of external radiotherapy, which cease to divide and grow. The ultimate goal of the procedures is to help the body through natural ways to get rid of foreign entities.
A more progressive method is irradiation with oncology using a source of radioactive radiation introduced into the tumor by surgical needles, catheters or special conductors.
Effects of irradiation in oncology
The main problem that arises with radiation therapy is that not only the tumor but also neighboring healthy tissues are exposed to radiation. Consequences after the procedure occur after a while, and the degree of their severity depends on the size and type of malignant formation and the location of the tumor. For the sake of fairness, it should be noted that in any case, irradiation has a significant effect on the general condition of the patient:
- loss of appetite;
- nausea and vomiting occur;
- hair falls on the head and vegetation on the body, including eyelashes and eyebrows;
- there is irritability, fatigue, insomnia (or drowsiness);
- the picture of blood changes.
But in some cases, there are various complications, up to the most serious. The most common of them are:
- damage to the skin in the area of ​​irradiation in the form of hyperemia, irritation, flaking, itching, rashes, blisters or blisters;
- violation of the integrity of the mucous membranes in the oral cavity, esophagus, etc .;
- skin swelling, radiation ulcers;
- fever, dyspnoea , cough;
- difficulty urinating and defecation in case of irradiation of the pelvic organs;
- inflammation of the periosteum, necrosis of bones;
- fistula formation, atrophy of internal organs.
In all complicated cases, continuous monitoring of a specialist is required, which prescribes appropriate medication.
How to eliminate the effects of irradiation?
For the patient after the transferred oncology, it is especially important to follow all the doctor's recommendations. The most critical period is the first two years after the cycle of irradiation procedures. At this time, supportive and restorative therapy is carried out.
An important place in the recovery process is:
- high-grade food;
- a reasonable alternation of activity and rest time;
- adherence to the rules of a healthy lifestyle.
Whenever possible, sanatorium-and-spa treatment is conducted in the area with climatic conditions similar to those in which a person lives permanently.
It is worth noting that in recent years the number of patients returning after diagnosing cancer and treatment to normal has increased significantly.