Radioterapia
At Southcoast Cancer Care, we specialize in offering patients specialized cancer treatment options that are proven to work, whether that’s through hormone therapy, chemotherapy or radiation at our centers in Fall River or Fairhaven, MA. Radiation therapy is a common treatment option for cancer that uses ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Types of Radiation
The goal of radiation therapy varies depending on the type of cancer and its stage. It may cure some cancers, especially in early stages. Radiation therapy can also help control symptoms and cancers that can’t be cured.
Why Your Doctor May Prescribe Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy treats many types of cancer. Your radiation oncologist at Southcoast may use radiation therapy to:
- Destroy a tumor
- Lower the risk that cancer will grow again after other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy
- Shrink a tumor before surgically removing it
- Shrink a tumor to ease pain or other cancer symptoms
Side Effects of Radiation
Potential side effects of radiation therapy vary depending on the type and dose of radiation, and the body area needing treatment.
General risks include:
- Difficulty swallowing if radiation is near the head or neck
- Fadiga
- Hair loss near the treatment site
- Infertility
- Joint problems
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Skin irritation, dryness, itching, peeling or blistering
- Swelling
Your team at Southcoast Cancer Care will guide you through managing the side effects of your radiation treatments. It is important that instructions be followed carefully during the treatment period. Your doctors and nurses are always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
