Radiation therapy is a method of treating cancer pathologies with ionizing radiation. The method is aimed at destroying cancer cells by irradiating them. Radiation therapy is used to remove a neoplasm or reduce pain in severe degrees of cancer.
Types of radiation therapy:
Remote.
Contact.
The external irradiation method (remote radiation therapy) is used for patients with different types of cancer. External type radiation therapy involves irradiating the patient with a special apparatus that affects the ionizing rays.
Internal radiation (contact radiation therapy) involves injecting a substance into the patient’s body. There are two types of internal radiation: with solid objects (brachytherapy) or with a liquid substance. It is injected intravenously, spreads through the body and helps to kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy is most effective when combined with surgery. Preoperative radiation, like chemotherapy, helps shrink the cancerous tumor. After surgery, radiation therapy is used to destroy the remaining malignant cells.
