|
Introduction
Radiation Oncology is a particular kind of treatment
for cancer which involves the use of ionizing radiation
to control the growth of malignant cells. It is also
used as a palliative care where cure is not possible
but is done to arrest the local disease and for symptomatic
relief. Mostly used as a primary therapy to cure cancer,
it is commonly combined with surgery, chemotherapy or
hormone manipulation.
The amount of radiation used in radiation therapy is
measured in grays and varies depending on the type and
stage of cancer.
The three main types of radiotherapy are External Beam
Radiotherapy, Teletherapy and Unsealed Source Radiotherapy.
Procedure
The Radiation Therapy destroys the DNA of cells by
a photon, electron or proton beam allowing a direct
or indirect ionization of atoms that make the DNA.
Side Effects
The side effects of Radiation Oncology are
- Severe damage to epithelial surfaces
- Swelling
- Infertility
- Fatigue
- Fibrosis
- Hair loss
- Dryness
Facilities available in Apollo Hospitals
Apollo's Radiation Oncology department, Chennai, has
two Linear Accelerators for External Beam Radiotherapy.
Multi Leaf Collimators (MLC) with Intensity Modulated
Radiotherapy (IMRT) is the latest developments for improvements
in accuracy and precision, resulting in optimum radiation.
To know more about Radiation Oncology keep browsing
our site Medical India Tourism and to book a medical
tour to India please fill the form given below.
|