External beam radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is commonly used for the treatment of cancer (malignant tumors) and may be the primary therapy of choice. It may also be a part of additional treatment such as surgery or chemotherapy. External radiation treatment is done on the outside of the body, usually as an outpatient. The radiotherapy machine can be quite noisy. The technician will be able to hear you if you need to talk to him. The therapy usually lasts 2 to 10 weeks, depending on the type and severity of the cancer. Treatment is usually given daily 5 days a week, Monday through Friday. Sometimes the doctor will prefer two milder treatments per day, causing the side effects to be more intense, but of shorter duration.
It is very important for the treatments to be aimed at the same spot. Often the technician will mark the body with a pen. Sometimes a body form is used to keep the patient from moving during treatment. If the cancer is in the head, a mask may be used to keep the head in place. The mask has openings for the eyes, nose, and mouth. The radiation is only aimed at the cancer, not the whole body. For lung cancer, the radiation would be aimed at the chest.
During treatments, the patient should not wear deodorant, perfumes, or jewelry. The patient may be asked to wear a gown or soft cottons.
Although the cancer is scary, the radiation treatment is safe. The patient does not become radioactive; she is able to continue caring for an infant or other children. Any side effects of the treatments should be discussed with the patient’s doctor and the treatment team.
It is very important for the treatments to be aimed at the same spot. Often the technician will mark the body with a pen. Sometimes a body form is used to keep the patient from moving during treatment. If the cancer is in the head, a mask may be used to keep the head in place. The mask has openings for the eyes, nose, and mouth. The radiation is only aimed at the cancer, not the whole body. For lung cancer, the radiation would be aimed at the chest.
During treatments, the patient should not wear deodorant, perfumes, or jewelry. The patient may be asked to wear a gown or soft cottons.
Although the cancer is scary, the radiation treatment is safe. The patient does not become radioactive; she is able to continue caring for an infant or other children. Any side effects of the treatments should be discussed with the patient’s doctor and the treatment team.
