Radiation and its Outcomes

Radiation is a word associated with cancer.  However most people are not sure what it truly means and only associate hair loss with it.  Radiation is when you aim high doses of beams from an x-ray on an affected area in hopes of destroying the bad cells.  It is generally an outpatient procedure.

Before beginning radiation there are several things done to prepare you for the treatment.  They determine the most comfortable position for you to be in when the start the procedure. Radiation is done in as little as one session up to 5 days a week over a period of 1-8 weeks and sometimes more.  The treatments are spread out so that your normal cells have the chance to recover and replenish.  There are side effects to this treatment.  The most common side effect for this treatment to any part of the body is hair loss. It is even sometimes a permanent loss.  When radiation is done on the head or neck, the patient may experience dry mouth or a cough.  Radiation to the chest may make it hard for a person to swallow.  Radiation on the abdomen and pelvis area may cause diarrhea and bladder infections.  Treatments generally only last between 15-30 minutes.

Knowing what to expect and the outcome of these treatments can ease your worry about having it done.  Although side effects are not the greatest pleasure it may bring you some pleasure if the cancer can be destroyed and you are able to continue living a long life.  New breakthroughs are continually happening and will only get better with more experience and research.