When the doctor breaks the news of a cancer diagnosis, we certainly understand that moment is quite painful and confusing. At Comprehensive Hematology Oncology, we come across so many people daily when they arrive here with tears in their eyes and by their side full of worry and questions. One of the first questions they ask us is, “What is radiation therapy, and how does it work?” We understand those fears.
That’s why we believe in sitting down, talking simply, and explaining things in a way that feels calm and clear almost like how you’d talk to a friend or a loved one. We don’t believe in using complicated medical language when we can just speak from the heart. Whether you are a patient, carer, or simply someone looking to learn more, we want this blog to be a safe place to land. We’ve penned it so that even a young child would be able to get to know what radiation therapy is and how it benefits. We aim to offer comfort, understanding, and a bit more peace to a subject that can so easily feel overwhelming. So let’s take it gently with you.
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is a type of treatment that employs powerful energy, nearly akin to inaudible light, to destroy cancer cells. Physicians employ devices that transmit this energy directly into the area of the body affected by cancer. It is somewhat similar to a flashlight beam that targets a single small area, with the exception that this beam is far more powerful.
Radiation can prevent cancer cells from growing, or cause them to shrink, or even eliminate them entirely. The cancer can be treated by some patients with radiation alone. Others require it in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.
The physician who comes up with this type of treatment is referred to as a radiation oncologist. In case you are in Palm Harbor, FL, your radiation oncologist Palm Harbor, FL will closely work with you to develop a plan that suits your body and your type of cancer.
How Does Radiation Therapy Kill Cancer Cells?
Let’s suppose cancer cells are like weeds in a garden. They grow quickly and occupy good space that your body must have. Radiation therapy is like standing in front of a heat lamp shining on those weeds. It scalds them so that they do not grow anymore. Radiation harms something within cells called DNA. DNA is similar to instructions for cells to grow. When those instructions are disrupted, cancer cells can no longer replicate themselves. So they either die immediately or become too weakened to continue growing. The good news, though, is that healthy cells in your body can repair themselves more easily. So while they may get slightly damaged during treatment, they tend to come back just fine.
What Are the Various Types of Radiation Therapy?
There are two large methods to administer radiation therapy:
1. Radiation From Outside the Body
This is known as external beam radiation therapy. A machine positions itself outside your body and delivers radiation to the cancer from outside. You remain still on a table, and the machine rotates to the correct angle. You don’t sense the radiation entering, and the machine will never touch you.
This type of treatment is applied for many cancers, such as breast cancer, brain cancer, or lung cancer.
2. Radiation From Within the Body
This is referred to as internal radiation therapy. The physician places a small, radioactive object within your body near the tumor. Occasionally it is a very tiny seed that remains in position, and sometimes it’s something that is later removed. One other type is where you have something to drink or where you receive an injection in a vein. The liquid, with radiation, goes inside your body and searches for cancer cells to destroy. It attacks from the inside.
What Types of Machines or Devices Do Physicians Use?
There are quite a number of devices, and each of them different. Don’t worry—you don’t have to memorize them all. But here is a brief idea:
3D machines utilize photographs of your body to target the cancer precisely, so that no part of it gets hurt.
IMRT machines deliver varying levels of radiation in various locations to concentrate more on the tumor.
Proton machines employ special particles rather than X-rays. They penetrate to exactly at the tumor, sparing surrounding areas.
Stereotactic machines are extremely accurate. They have the ability to treat small tumors within the brain or body in just a few visits.
Machines that are guided by imaging take a photo daily to ensure that everything is in line properly.
Physicians select the best one for your cancer type and for your body.
Why Do Physicians Select Radiation Treatment?
Radiation therapy assists in numerous ways. A few are mentioned below:
It can reduce a tumor so it is simpler to eliminate with surgery
It can destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery
It can be the primary treatment if surgery is not an option
It can alleviate pain or pressure from a developing tumor
Radiation is also utilized for certain non-cancer conditions, such as certain types of brain illness. Your physician will discuss what it can do to help you.
What Happens Before You Start Treatment
Before anything starts, there’s a planning phase known as a simulation. This simply means the care team prepares everything so the treatment performs optimally.
Here’s what you’ll do:
You’ll lie on a special table.
A cushion or mask may be placed on your body to keep you in the same place each time.
You’ll receive a CT scan or MRI so doctors can view where the cancer is.
Small marks can be drawn on your skin so that the machine knows where to target.
Then, your radiation oncologist Palm Harbor, FL will determine how much radiation you will require, and how many sessions it will involve.
What Happens During the Treatment?
When it’s treatment time:
You lie on the table once again, as you did for planning.
The machine spins around you, but does not touch you.
The radiation emerges in the form of a beam and directly reaches the cancer.
The entire session lasts around 15–30 minutes, but the radiation component is typically only a matter of minutes. You don’t feel anything from the radiation. You may be able to speak to the radiation therapist via speaker if you feel anxious. If you’re receiving internal radiation, the physician will put the radiation into your body with a tiny tube while you’re asleep or under medication so you won’t hurt.
What About After the Treatment?
If you receive external radiation, you can go home immediately after each treatment. There is no remaining radiation in your body, so it is okay to be around friends and loved ones. If you receive internal radiation, you might have to stay in bed for a little while at the hospital. Occasionally, for a few days, you’ll be asked to avoid children or pregnant women, just to be safe. With liquid radiation, you’ll pass a small amount of radiation in your urine or sweat, so your doctor will advise you with safety precautions.
What Are the Side Effects?
Radiation may sometimes produce side effects, but they don’t occur in everyone. The majority of side effects resolve after treatment is completed.
Side effects that are common are:
- Feeling tired
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Skin becomes red, dry, or itchy
- Hair loss where the treatment is done
- Mouth sores (if the head and neck are treated)
- Difficulty swallowing (if the chest is treated)
- Having to pee more (if the bladder is treated)
If any of the side effects annoy you, your treatment team will make you more comfortable. They can administer creams, medication, or advice to assist with the healing process.
Is Radiation Therapy Safe?
Yes, radiation therapy is safe when administered by experienced doctors and utilized properly. The machines are thoroughly tested frequently. The treatment team is always keeping an eye out to ensure everything happens precisely as intended. Radiation Therapy for Cancer Palm Harbor, FL has been in use for over 100 years, and it continues to improve and become safer. For Palm Harbor, FL residents, selecting a facility like Comprehensive Hematology Oncology means you’ll receive one-on-one care, concern, and reliable treatment from skilled individuals.
When Will I Feel Better?
Some individuals continue to go to school or to work while undergoing radiation. Some people are more fatigued and require additional rest. Everyone is not the same. You may feel okay to start with and feel tired later in treatment.
It is all right to slow down and rest. Getting better takes time. Tell your care team how you are doing. They can assist you in scheduling your days so you can rest when necessary.
When Should I Call My Doctor?
You should call your doctor or care team if:
- You have ongoing pain
- You’re extremely tired or ill
- You’re avoiding eating or drinking due to side effects
- You experience something that doesn’t feel normal or new
It’s always better to ask than to wonder. Your team is there to make you feel safe and supported.
Final Thoughts
Radiation treatment is one of the most reliable and beneficial methods of cancer treatment. It does not cause any pain while undergoing treatment, and it is well planned to assist you in getting cured. It may look frightening at first, but once you begin, you will realize that the team is with you every step of the way. If you are in Palm Harbor and need a compassionate, skilled helping hand, Comprehensive Hematology Oncology stands ready to assist you. Whether this is your first visit or you are already a patient in treatment, we will welcome you as family and accompany you along every step of your journey.
Need Support?
If you’d like to learn more or speak with a radiation oncologist Palm Harbor, FL, contact Comprehensive Hematology Oncology. We’re here to answer your questions, help you understand in plain language, and ensure that you feel safe and supported. Let’s battle cancer together with care, clarity, and confidence.