Radiation treatment, also referred to as radiotherapy, is a treatment frequently used along with other treatment forms, such as chemotherapy and surgery, against many types of cancer, including ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is typified by the unrestrained multiplication of the cells lining the ovary (reproductive organs in women). In radiotherapy, the cancer cells are exposed to high energy radiations (frequently X-rays), which help in destroying the cancerous cells and thus inhibit their replication. However, the extent of the exposure towards the radiations varies from patient to patient depending upon the proliferation and spreading of the cancer cells inside the body.
Types
Usually two forms of radiotherapy, namely external beam radiation and internal therapy, are used to cure patients suffering from ovarian cancer. The external beam radiation method involves subjecting the cancerous cells lining the ovaries towards several radiation fields in order to destroy them, preventing their subsequent metastasis. On the other hand, in internal radiation therapy, a device that is attached to a wire or catheter is placed either around or inside the malignant tumor. The device focuses high-power radiations on the cancerous cells present in the ovaries and aid in killing them.
Sometimes a third radiation method, known as brachytherapy, is used in order to relieve the pain and discomfort experienced as a result of ovarian cancer. However, brachytherapy has not shown any promising results towards curing the cancer form. In brachytherapy, radioactive seeds are placed near the cancer cells or tissues with the help of a thin plastic bag.
Time Frame
The time frame for radiation treatment differs from patient to patient, depending on the stage of the cancer and the growth of the cancer cells lining the ovaries. However, patients are usually subjected to radiation methods regularly over a period of three to four weeks, as dividing the therapy into smaller dosage over a sustained time frame has shown to cause lesser side effects.
Side Effects
Side effects are commonly experienced by patients undergoing radiation treatment against ovarian cancer. Some of the most common side effects include loss of appetite, hair loss, feeling of tiredness and fatigue, skin irritations among others.
Benefits
Radiation treatment is usually found to be beneficial to individuals who are unable to undergo surgery due to heart disorders, the elderly, and patients suffering from other chronic medical conditions.
Warnings and Precautions
While undergoing radiation treatment for ovarian cancer, patients must reduce the exposure towards sun radiations, reduce the intake of alcohol, and quit smoking.
Tags: cancer cells, ovarian cancer, cancerous cells, cells lining, beam radiation