A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

RADIOTHERAPY

Why is Radiotherapy performed ?

Radiotherapy (or x-ray treatment) uses high energy rays to kill cancer cells in an area of the body. They are more sensitive to radiotherapy than normal cells. Normal cells will also be affected by the radiation to some extent, but are able to recover quickly.

What preparations are needed for Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy treatment will usually not require hospitalization. The treatment is entirely painless and takes only a few minutes. The doctor will calculate a certain dose of radiation required to kill the cancer cells. The total dose will be split into a number of fractions . Most patients undergo treatment on a daily basis Monday to Friday. Sometimes treatment is only given once or twice a week, and occasionally more than once a day. Before radiotherapy starts, it is necessary to come in for treatment planning . This involves lying on a simulator machine which allows the doctors and radiographers to plan exactly the area that needs to be treated. It may be necessary to visit the x-ray or CT scanning department to help treatment planning. When the plan is finalized, the skin is marked with a special pen to indicate the area to be treated. The pen used provides a semi-permanent mark which must be retained for the whole course of radiotherapy.

What happens during Radiotherapy ?

Radiotherapy is given using various machines that produce gamma or x-rays. Although left alone in the room, the patient will be watched constantly by the radiographer, using closed circuit television. A microphone enables two-way conversation with the radiographers, if required. The patient will be positioned carefully on a treatment couch and the x-rays directed accurately on to the area to be treated, to ensure that only the desired area is treated. This positioning is important. The treatment will usually be quite short and is painless. It is important to remain still during the short treatment time.

Possible complications during Radiotherapy

Usually patients do not feel unwell during the treatment. A normal active life can be enjoyed, including going to work and any sporting activities. However, it is not unusual to feel unwell before starting the treatment because of the underlying illness or any anxiety. During treatment some patients feel more tired than usual, a little low, or depressed. A balanced diet during the treatment will help prevent nausea. This usually happens at the beginning of the treatment and settles quite quickly. The skin over the area being treated becomes very sensitive and a marked sunburn reaction in that area may be noticed. Avoid washing the treated area and using deodorants, perfume, or any lotions not prescribed by the doctor. Avoid the sun on treated areas. After the treatment is finished, any of the side-effects experienced will disappear.

Treatment of specific areas

Head and neck treatment requires a head support or mould to support the head and help keep it still during the treatment. This mould is made while the patient is positioned on a couch. A quick-setting cream is applied to construct a plastic shell or mould. This must fit snugly around the face and it is advisable to shave any beard or moustache before it is fitted. About 2 weeks after treatment has started, hair in the treatment area may fall out and the skin of the treated area may become red and tender. After the treatment has stopped, the hair will regrow and the skin will return to normal. Because the skin is very sensitive, it is advisable not to expose it to the sun or cold air, or to apply ice packs. Eating may be a problem if the face or neck is being treated. The mouth and throat become sore and sense of taste and swallowing may be difficult. Both of these problems usually disappear eventually. Try to eat as well as possible. Soft foods, such as scrambled egss, omelettes, mashed potatoes, soup, milk puddings, fish, chicken, and plenty of milky drinks are recommended. Avoid hot spicy foods, alcohol and smoking. Keeping the mouth clean is important. Frequently brush the teeth with a soft toothbrush and sometimes use mouthwashes. Sipping a soluble aspirin drink before meals may help relieve the discomfort in the mouth.

Radiotherapy to the throat may cause the voice to become hoarse or even lost completely. In this instance, resting the voice completely will help. It will return once the treatment has stopped. Abdomen and pelvis treatment may cause nausea and loose bowel motions. Alcohol should be avoided. If the bladder is included in the treatment area, some discomfort on passing urine may be noticed. All these will be temporary and should return to normal when the treatment stops. Breast treatment involves skin markings which should not be removed. These marks ensure that the radiation is given to exactly the same area each time. The area being treated should not be washed. The skin may become thickened and red, like a sunburn, after about 10 days. Baby powder applied three or four times a day is soothing and will reduce any irritation. If the skin becomes sore and moist, then solutions are available which will reduce the discomfort and help dry the area. Avoid shaving the armpit during the treatment. The treatment will cause the hair to fall out anyway, and stops perspiration occurring. Wear loose comfortable clothing it may even be more comfortable not to wear a bra. During treatment, any recommended arm exercises should be continued.

What if Radiotherapy was not performed ?

Radiotherapy is only done if the doctor is fairly sure that some cancer cells are there to be treated. Without radiotherapy, these cells would multiply and could cause serious illness by spreading through the body. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs which kill cancer cells. This can sometimes be used instead of, and sometimes together with, the radiotherapy.

After Radiotherapy, what to expect

Any side-effects experienced will almost certainly disappear, but if worried, ask the doctor or the radiographer about your concerns.