How are Radiation Treatments Done?

By Helen Dycha, eHow Contributor

Uses of Radiation Therapy

1. Generally associated with the treatment of malignant tumors, radiation therapy,
sometimes referred to as radiotherapy, is clinically indicated for a number of pathologies.
Other uses of radiation therapy include treatment for nonmalignant conditions such as
thyroid eye disease, prevention of keloid scar growth, and pigmented vallondular
synovitis, or PVNS, a benign condition that affects the synovium of joints, tendon sheaths
and bursae. Radiation is also used in a palliative capacity to alleviate symptoms arising
from certain cancers. A thorough knowledge of the specific protocols observed when
receiving radiation can help to allay an individual's concerns about the treatment.
Systemic Radiation Therapy
2. Systemic radiation therapy is delivered orally or intravenously. Systemic radiation is
painless, and patients cannot feel the radiation traveling through their body.
Individuals receiving systemic radiation may be required to remain in the hospital until
radiation reaches an acceptable level, generally within a few days, or the treatment may
be administered on an outpatient basis.
Patients may also be advised to observe certain precautions after receiving systemic
therapy. These will be explained by the radiation team.
External Beam Radiation
3. Before receiving external beam radiation, also called brachytherapy, patients are
required to participate in a planning session, or simulation. A machine called a simulator
is used to pinpoint the precise areas requiring treatment. The most commonly used
simulator is a computed axial tomography, or CAT, scan, which takes images of the body
to ensure that only affected areas are targeted.
Areas to be treated are marked with ink or a marker. In some instances, a plastic mold is
prepared to aid the patient in remaining still. If a mold is used, marks are not made on the
patient, they are placed on the mold.
During therapy, patients are positioned on a special table or couch, and high energy rays
are directed at the affected site by a linear accelerator. The machine does not come in
contact with the body, and the treatment is painless. Length of treatment time ranges
from five to 60 minutes and is usually administered as a series of outpatient procedures.
External beam radiation may involve up to 35 treatments over a seven-week period.
External radiation does not make the patient radioactive.
Internal Radiation Therapy
4. Internal radiation therapy allows patients to receive a higher dose of radiation than
external therapy. Radioactive material is placed inside the patient's body, close to the
tumor, and may be left in for a brief period or permanently.
Individuals scheduled to undergo internal radiation will meet with their nurse or doctor for
up to two hours before their therapy is administered. During the meeting,
their health care provider will discuss which type of internal therapy has been prescribed
for them, and explain its benefits and side effects.
Internal radiation is placed in the body with a catheter or an instrument called an
applicator. Internal radiation is typically performed on an inpatient basis. The patient is
 generally put to sleep but may receive a local anesthesia to numb the area where the
instrument is to be introduced.
Individuals who are not put to sleep are cautioned to remain very still while the device is
placed in the body. Once the catheter or applicator is in place, radiation will be introduced
into it. The length of time that the radiation remains in place in the body depends on the
type of cancer, the patient's health and the tumor's position in the body, and the time
ranges from a few minutes to permanently.
Patients who receive high-dose therapy are required to stay in a private hospital room
until the radiation coming from their body reaches an acceptable level.
Visits are prohibited when the radiation is first put in and limited to approximately 30
minutes thereafter. Pregnant women and children under 18 will not be permitted to visit.
Upon discharge, patients are advised of any further precautions that they must observe
at home.

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