At Comprehensive Hematology Oncology, we talk with patients in clear and simple words. Many people hear about radiation therapy but do not fully understand it. Some get scared. But knowing how it works and what side effects can happen makes it easier. If you are looking for a radiation oncologist Tampa FL, this guide will help.
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is a special cancer treatment. It uses very strong energy to damage cancer cells. The energy goes inside the cells and breaks their DNA. DNA functions as a cell’s “control center.” When DNA is broken, cancer cells cannot grow or make new cells. After some time, they die.
Doctors use radiation for many reasons:
- To shrink a tumor before surgery.
- To destroy cancer cells left after surgery.
- To treat cancer if surgery cannot be done.
- To reduce pain or pressure from a tumor.
Radiation can be used alone or together with surgery and medicines.
How Does Radiation Work?
Radiation does not kill cancer in one day. It works slowly over time. After each treatment, cancer cells get weaker. Over days and weeks, they start to die.
Healthy cells close to the cancer may also get a little hurt. But healthy cells can repair themselves. Cancer cells usually cannot repair.
Doctors give radiation in small amounts, not all at once. Each amount is called a session. Patients may need many sessions, spread across weeks. This gives time for the body to heal while still attacking the cancer.
Types of Radiation Therapy
There are two main types:
1. External Beam Radiation
This is the most common. A large machine outside the body sends strong beams right to the cancer. The machine moves around, but the patient does not feel anything.
2. Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy)
In this type, doctors put tiny radioactive material inside the body, very close to the cancer. As a result, the tumor receives high levels of radiation while the healthy body parts receive less.
Sometimes doctors use both types together.
Common Side Effects
Radiation is strong. It fights cancer, but it can also affect healthy body parts. Side effects are not the same for everyone. The patient’s health, the area of the body being treated, and the radiation dosage all affect them.
Here are some common side effects explained in very easy words:
1. Tiredness: Most patients feel very tired. This is not normal tiredness from working too much. Even after sleeping, the body may feel weak. This happens because the body uses a lot of energy to heal.
2. Skin Problems: Red, dark, dry, or itchy skin may develop in the treated area. It can feel like sunburn. Usually, the skin heals slowly after treatment ends.
3. Hair Loss: Radiation causes hair to fall out only where it is given. If radiation is given to the head, hair may fall from the head, but not from the arms or legs.
4. Eating Problems: If radiation is near the chest, stomach, or mouth, eating may become hard. Food may taste different. Swallowing may hurt. Some people lose their appetite.
5. Upset Stomach: Radiation to the belly can cause nausea, vomiting, or loose stools (diarrhea). Doctors give medicines to help.
6. Mouth and Throat Issues: If radiation is given to the head or neck, patients may have dry mouth, mouth sores, or sore throat. Eating and drinking may become difficult.
7. Blood Changes: Radiation can sometimes lower blood cells. This may cause weakness, tiredness, or infections. Doctors check blood often during treatment.
8. Long-Term Side Effects: Some side effects may not appear right away. They may come months or years later. Examples include stiffness, scarring, or organ changes. Doctors explain these risks before treatment begins.
Emotional Side
Radiation does not only affect the body. It also affects the mind. Patients may feel scared, worried, or sad. Going to the hospital every day and facing side effects can be stressful.
Support from doctors, nurses, family, and friends helps a lot. Talking and sharing feelings makes patients feel less alone.
How Experts Help Patients
This is where a radiation oncologist Tampa FL plays a very important role. A radiation oncologist is a doctor who plans and gives radiation treatment. They make sure the treatment hurts cancer cells but protects healthy cells as much as possible.
Experts help in many ways:
- Special Plans: Every patient is different. Doctors make a plan just for that patient using scans and computers.
- Weekly Checkups: Patients meet the doctor often during treatment. This helps doctors see if side effects are happening and make changes.
- Medicines and Advice: Doctors give creams for skin problems, medicines for nausea, and tips about food.
- Emotional Help: Talking with the care team makes patients feel less worried. Some centers have support groups too.
- Follow-Up Care: Even after treatment ends, doctors keep checking the patient’s health. They help with any new problems.
Simple Tips for Patients
Patients can also do small things to feel better during radiation:
- Rest when the body feels tired. Short walks or light activity can also help.
- Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods.
- Drink enough water every day.
- Take care of the skin in the treated area. Keep it clean. Avoid harsh soaps or tight clothes.
- Tell the doctor about side effects early. Quick help works best.
- Accept help from family and friends.
Guidance for Families
The entire family is impacted by cancer, not just the patient. Families can support in many ways:
- Go to appointments and learn about the treatment.
- Help with meals, medicines, and daily work.
- Listen kindly when the patient shares feelings.
- Maintain their strength by taking care of their own health.
Looking Ahead
Radiation therapy is one of the best cancer treatments today. It may bring side effects, but doctors know how to manage them. Most side effects go away after treatment. When patients know what to expect, they feel less afraid. Knowledge makes the journey easier.
If you or someone you love is looking for a radiation oncologist Tampa FL, remember that expert care and family support go a long way.
Conclusion
Radiation therapy sounds hard, but with help, it becomes easier. Doctors, nurses, family, and friends stand with patients. No one faces cancer alone. At Comprehensive Hematology Oncology, we guide patients step by step, in simple and caring ways. If you need a trusted radiation oncologist Tampa FL, our team is here to support your journey. Contact us today!