Saturday, February 16, 2013

Radiation Therapy for Colon Cancer

Radiation treatments are not a typical way to treat cancer of the colon, though it may be used in certain circumstances. Radiotherapy, often with radiation treatment or chemotherapy, is frequently used in the adjuvant or neoadjuvant setting for the therapy of anal cancer, whereas radiation treatment alone is more typical for the adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy of colon cancer.
Doctors who are dedicated to dealing with cancer with radiation are known as radiation oncologists. During radiation therapy, high-energy x-rays are used to destroy cancer tissues. In advanced stages of cancer of the colon, radiation treatments are often given instead of surgery treatment when an operation cannot be performed. Radiotherapy is also commonly given along with radiation treatment.

Chemotherapy drugs have the ability to destroy cancer cell directly and help make radiation therapy more effective in eliminating cancer cell.Radiation therapy for melanoma of the colon is typically provided by a machine that is designed x-rays at the system (external ray radiation). External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for cancer of the colon is given on an out-patient basis, 5 times a week, for approximately 5 to 6 several weeks. If ERBT is used as modern therapy for stage IV cancer, it may be given for a shorter time, one day to three several weeks. EBRT starts with a preparing period, or simulator, during which light oncologist places marks on the system and takes dimensions in order to line up light ray in the correct position for each therapy. After the simulator period, the affected person starts a program of daily treatments. During therapy, the affected person lies on a couch and is treated with radiation from multiple directions to the pelvis. The radiation oncologist may perform a second preparing period or simulator near the end of therapy to focus light to the place where melanoma tissues are most likely to remain. The last 3-5 times of therapy may be instructed at this place.

Side Effects of Radiation Treatment

Although patients do not feel anything while receiving chemo, the consequences of radiation progressively build up eventually. Many sufferers become somewhat fatigued as therapy carries on. Loose stools or diarrhea are also common and urination may become more frequent or uncomfortable. Some sufferers may experience loss of pubic hair or discomfort of the skin. When radiation treatments are given along with 5-fluorouracil radiation treatment, diarrhoea can be worse. In a small percentage of patients, an obstruction or blockage in the small bowel can occur, which may require hospitalization or even abdominal surgery to relieve. Radiotherapy can also cause serious changes in bowel function, leading to loose stools and, when severe, swelling of the prostate gland.

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