Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, is to use high levels of radiation to kill prostate cancer cells or inhibit their growth and reproduction, while minimizing damage to healthy cells.
Radiation can emit machine outside the body (external radiation), whose action is aimed directly at the prostate gland, or materials that emit radiation (radioisotopes) are placed with the help of plastic tubes in the area, carcinomatous (internal radiation or brachytherapy).
Internal radiation therapy is to install the radioactive implants into the tumor. These radioactive sources can be temporary (they should be removed after the required dose) or permanent.
What happens during treatment?
External-beam radiation therapy requires regular sessions (usually five days a week) for 8 - 9 weeks. During each session, the radiologist will help you take the correct position on the procedural table. When the doctor to make sure that you have the correct posture, it will come out of the room and begin treatment by radiation.
During the session, you will be under constant surveillance. During a session, relax and do not move. Let your doctor know if you have any problems or discomfort. The doctor will go into the office to move the machine and change your position. The unit will not apply to you, and you will not feel anything during treatment.
Radiologist will make an X-ray on the first day of treatment, and then will repeat the shot about every week. Images confirm that your position was accurate at the time of treatment sessions. Images do not provide diagnostic information, so that radiologists can not find out about your progress of these images. Nevertheless, they are important and help radiologists make sure that radiation is delivered precisely to the site, which needs treatment.
For what marks on the skin?
Small marks resembling freckles, the radiologist does to your skin in the area being treated. These labels - a temporary path of treatment. Do not try to wash these marks, or embellish them if they fade. The doctor repeatedly strike marks on the area of treatment, when necessary.
Will my power to cure?
Yes. Good nutrition - an important part of recovery from side effects of radiotherapy.When you eat well, you have the energy to do what you want and your body is capable of healing and fight infection. Most importantly, good nutrition can give you a sense of health. Since eat when you do not feel good, it can be difficult, think about bringing a nutritionist. It can help ensure that you get proper nutrition during radiotherapy.
Side Effects
During treatment, radiation must pass through the skin. You may notice some changes in the skin area exposed to radiation. Your skin may redden, swell and become hot and sensitive, as if you had a sunburn. It can peel off or become moist and painful. Depending on the dose of radiation you receive, you may notice hair loss or decreased sweating in the area affected by treatment.
These skin reactions - a common and temporary. They gradually disappear within 4 - 6 weeks after treatment. If skin changes occur outside the area of treatment, tell the doctor or nurse. Long-term side effects that may remain until a year or longer after treatment, may include a slight darkening of the skin, enlarged pores, increased or decreased skin sensitivity, and thickening of the tissue or skin.
These skin reactions - a common and temporary. They gradually disappear within 4 - 6 weeks after treatment. If skin changes occur outside the area of treatment, tell the doctor or nurse. Long-term side effects that may remain until a year or longer after treatment, may include a slight darkening of the skin, enlarged pores, increased or decreased skin sensitivity, and thickening of the tissue or skin.
Another possible side effect - the erectile dysfunction and symptoms of the urinary tract, such as frequent urination, bleeding, or, rarely, incontinence. Please be aware of these side effects, choosing a treatment. If you have questions, be sure to talk to your doctor.
How to reduce skin reactions?
Carefully clean the area exposed to treatment, using lukewarm water and mild soap.Do not rub. Wipe the skin with patting with a soft towel or use a hair dryer in the regime of cold air. Try not to scratch or rub the area exposed to treatment. Do not apply to the area exposed to treatment, ointment, cream, lotion or powder, if your radiologist them you are not appointed. Do not wear tight-fitting clothing or clothing made from coarse fabrics such as wool or corduroy. These fabrics can irritate the skin. Choose clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton.
Do not apply surgical tape or bandage to the treatment area.
Do not expose the treatment area to extreme heat or cold. Avoid using electric heaters, heaters or ice pack.
Do not expose the treatment area to direct sunlight because sun exposure can increase the skin reaction and lead to severe sunburn. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Protect from direct sunlight, even after completion of treatment.
Will radiation therapy bother?
Everyone has their own level of energy, so the treatment of radiation in different ways affect everyone. Patients frequently experience fatigue after several weeks of treatment. In most patients, mild fatigue. Nevertheless, the loss of energy may require some patients shift routine.
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий