This article provides an overview of various radiation therapy options for cancer treatment, including external and internal methods. It emphasizes personalized treatment planning based on tumor characteristics and patient health. Understanding these options helps patients make informed decisions about their cancer care and manage potential side effects effectively.

Understanding the Various Forms of Cancer Radiation Treatments

Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, is a widely used method in cancer care that employs high-energy rays to shrink tumors or destroy cancer cells. It can also be used for imaging purposes, such as diagnosing bone fractures, dental issues, blood disorders, or thyroid conditions. This article explores the main types of radiation therapies available today.

Primary Types of Radiation Therapy

External Beam Radiation

This targeted method involves directing high-energy radiation from machines outside the body precisely at the tumor. It uses particles like protons, electrons, and photons. For instance, lung cancer treatments focus the beam solely on the chest, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. Techniques include 3D conformal, image-guided (IGRT), stereotactic radiosurgery, tomotherapy, IMRT, and stereotactic body radiation therapy.

Internal Radiation

In internal radiation, the radioactive material is placed inside the patient's body. Liquid sources, suitable for thyroid and prostate cancers, are systemic, while solid sources used in brachytherapy are implanted directly into tissues for cancers affecting the neck, breast, head, prostate, eye, and cervix.

Choosing the Appropriate Treatment

Medical professionals select the best radiation therapy based on:

Tumor size

Cancer type and location

Distance from healthy tissues

Patient's overall health and medical background

Other health conditions and age

Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice, as radiation therapy may cause side effects. Consult your doctor before starting treatment.