radiation oncology

Radiation oncology, or radiation therapy, is a prevalent cancer treatment involving controlled radiation beams to target and destroy cancer cells or alleviate related symptoms. It is a minimally invasive method widely used by medical experts, with approximately two-thirds of cancer patients receiving this treatment.

Radiation oncology, or radiation therapy, is a targeted cancer treatment method utilizing high-energy radiation waves to damage or destroy cancer cells within the body. These waves directly affect the DNA of cancer cells, inhibiting their abnormal growth and multiplication, while potentially impacting non-cancerous cells as well. Unlike treatments like chemotherapy, which affect the entire body, radiation therapy focuses solely on the affected area or tumor location, minimizing collateral damage. Over half of cancer patients undergo radiation therapy, either as a standalone treatment or following surgery or chemotherapy.

Radiation therapy, determined by factors like cancer type, tumor size, and patient health, includes two main types: External beam radiation therapy and Internal radiation therapy. Radiation oncologists assess these factors to prescribe the most suitable treatment for the patient.

After considering all these factors, the radiation oncologist will prescribe which type of radiation therapy is best for the patient after considering all his or her conditions.

The two types of radiation therapy are as follows:

• External beam radiation therapy

External beam radiation therapy utilizes a machine to direct radiation waves externally toward the tumor site without touching the patient, commonly used for treating cancers in areas like the head, breast, lung, colon, and prostate.

• Internal radiation therapy

Internal radiation therapy, specifically brachytherapy, involves directly applying or implanting radiation dosage onto specific cancer sites, offering targeted and concentrated therapy with fewer side effects and shorter treatment times. Radiation sources, such as capsules, ribbons, seeds, or balloons, are implanted inside the body during a procedure in the operating room. Imaging tests ensure accurate placement. Sedation may be administered, and the patient's length of stay in the hospital depends on factors like implant size and radiation strength.

Radiation therapy is a flexible treatment option often used alongside chemotherapy or surgery to target cancer cells, shrink tumors, prevent recurrence, and alleviate symptoms. By halting cancer cell growth and reducing inflammation, radiation therapy effectively slows or stops cancer progression, although it may not always cure the disease.

Individual reactions to radiation therapy vary, with some experiencing side effects while others do not; common side effects include fatigue, skin changes, and gastrointestinal issues.

• Fatigue
• Skin irritation
• Hair loss
• Lo blood cell counts
• Pain
• Radioprotective drugs
• Site specific side effects

• Fatigue is a common side effect of radiation therapy, caused by the destruction of both cancerous and healthy cells in the body.
• Skin irritation, including dryness, flaking, blisters, pain, and bleeding, commonly occurs at radiation sites during therapy.
• Radiation therapy often causes temporary hair loss at the treatment site, which typically regrows after therapy completion with proper care.
• Radiation therapy can lead to low blood cell counts due to its effects on both cancerous and healthy cells in the body.
• Pain , As the radiation therapy causes swelling and simultaneously it also kills healthy cells, the patient might face severe pain.
• Radioprotective drugs , The doctors or medical experts will prescribe some of the radioprotective drugs to safeguard certain healthy tissues from radiation.
• Radiation therapy can lead to site-specific side effects such as nausea, vomiting, skin irritation, and urinary issues, depending on the area being treated.

A team of doctors, including radiation oncologists, assesses the patient's condition to determine the appropriate radiation therapy. Treatment is tailored to the type and size of cancer, with sessions spaced to allow for recovery and healthy cell regeneration. The painless procedure involves lying on a treatment table while a linear accelerator machine directs radiation to the targeted area.

The cost of radiation therapy in India varies depending on factors like hospital type, treatment complexity, and additional tests, with prices ranging from $4,000 to $7,000 for breast cancer. Internal radiation therapy costs between $897 and $7,481, while external beam radiation therapy ranges from $1,014 to $1,449