Radiation therapy involves using high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells, preventing them from continuing to grow and multiply. Similar to surgery, this treatment specifically targets cancer cells in the designated area. The radiation can be delivered externally through a machine or internally via a small radioactive implant placed in or near the tumor. External radiation is typically administered on an outpatient basis at a hospital or clinic, and patients do not become radioactive during or after the treatment. For internal radiation, patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. The implant might be temporary or permanent, and once removed, no radioactivity remains in the body. If the implant is permanent, the radiation level decreases to a safe point before the patient is discharged. The side effects of radiation therapy vary based on the dose and the body area treated, with common issues including fatigue, skin reactions like rashes or redness, and appetite loss. It can also lead to inflammation of tissues and organs near the treatment site, as well as a reduction in white blood cell count. While these side effects can be uncomfortable, they are typically manageable and often not long-lasting.
