Treatment of disease, especially certain forms of cancer, by radiation given off by special machines or by radioactive isotopes. The radiation interferes with the division (mitosis) of cells and the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the cells. Many cancer cells are destroyed by radiation; the major disadvantage is possible damage to cells and tissues in nearby areas. Also called radiation therapy.
That medical discipline concerned with the application of radiation or radioactive materials to human beings.
The treatment of disease with penetrating radiation, such as X-rays, beta rays, or gamma rays, which may be produced by machines or given off by radioactive isotopes. Beams of radiation may be directed at a diseased part from a distance, or radioactive material, in the form of needles, wires, or pellets, may be implanted in the body. Many forms of cancer are destroyed by radiation, the chief problem being the risk of damage to normal tissues.
The treatment of disease (mainly cancer) with penetrating radiation. For many years radium and x-rays were the only sources available, but developments in knowledge led to the use of powerful X-rays, beta rays or gamma rays, either produced by linear accelerator machines or given off by radioactive isotopes. The latter is rarely used now.
The utilization of ionizing radiation, including x-rays and gamma rays, for the purpose of treating diseases.
The utilization of ionizing radiation, encompassing x-rays or radioactive isotopes, for the purpose of managing medical conditions.
Cancer and, on occasion, specific noncancerous tumors are treated through the application of X-rays or alternative forms of radiation. Ionizing radiation generated by radioactive sources is employed to disrupt or impede the growth of abnormal cells. While long-term harm to normal cells is typically minimal or absent, radiotherapy can lead to short-term damage as a side effect.
Radiotherapy is employed both independently to target the eradication of all abnormal cells in diverse cancer types, such as squamous cell carcinoma (a form of skin cancer) and Hodgkin’s disease (a lymphoid tissue cancer), as well as in combination with other cancer therapies. In instances like surgical removal of a cancerous tumor, subsequent radiotherapy is often utilized to eliminate any residual tumor cells, as seen in the management of breast cancer.
Radiotherapy can also serve to alleviate the symptoms of an incurable, advanced-stage cancer. An instance of this palliative approach involves utilizing radiotherapy to shrink the dimensions of a brain tumor, thereby alleviating headaches and paralysis.
When the advantages of eliminating afflicted tissue surpass the potential hazards to healthy tissue, radiotherapy might be applied to address noncancerous ailments. For instance, radioactive iodine may be employed to target and deactivate a segment of an overactive thyroid gland.
Radiotherapy is typically administered on an outpatient basis. X-rays or, occasionally, electrons, generated by a device known as a linear accelerator, are targeted at the tumor from various angles. Alternatively, radiation is delivered through small pellets placed within the tumor using a hollow needle or inserted into a body cavity. These methods constitute different forms of brachytherapy. For the treatment of thyrotoxicosis, radioactive iodine is administered orally.
Radiotherapy can lead to certain uncomfortable side effects, including fatigue, nausea, and vomiting (for which antiemetic medications might be recommended), as well as hair loss in areas subjected to radiation. Infrequently, skin might experience redness and blistering, but this can be mitigated with the use of corticosteroid medications.
Radiotherapy can effectively treat the majority of cancer types, with greater chances of success when treatment commences at an earlier stage.
The management of illnesses using X-rays, radium rays, and other radiant materials.