Radiation therapy is a method used to kill cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery. It can also be used to ease problems from cancer that has spread and help you live longer.
Radiation therapy is most often used with chemotherapy (called chemoradiation).
This type of cancer is treated by a machine outside the body. Short bursts are aimed at the cancer. The beam can send as much radiation to the site as possible.
The types used are:
- Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
- Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)
Some problems are:
- Dry, irritated skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Feeling tired because of anemia
Talk to your healthcare team as soon as these problems happen. There are ways to treat them. The sooner it’s done, the better control you will have over them. Sometimes, the radiation dose can be changed.
