FAQ
- What is Radiation Therapy?
- When is Radiation Therapy Required to Treat Cancer?
- What are the Different Types of Radiation Therapy?
- What to Expect During Your Radiation Therapy
- Frequently Asked Questions About Radiation Therapy
- Emergency Contact
Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy rays (such as x-rays) to kill or shrink cancer cells and to treat benign conditions such as preventing
- Blood vessel restenosis (vascular brachytherapy)
- Extra bone growth after joint surgery (heterotropic bone prevention) and
- Fibrous skin growths (keloids) after surgery.
In treating cancer, the radiation may come from outside of the body (external radiation) or from radioactive materials placed directly in the tumor (brachytherapy). Radiation therapy may be used
- To reduce the size of a cancer before surgery
- To destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery, or, in some cases,
- As the primary treatment for cancer and other diseases.
Since radiation therapy is most commonly used to treat cancer, this section will focus on radiation therapy in the Cancer Treatment Center. Additional information on radiation therapy for treatment of benign conditions can be found in the Procedures section of this site.
Whether radiation is your primary treatment or part of a multi-disciplinary plan of care including chemotherapy, surgery or another therapy, we will work together with you, your family, and your physician to provide well-coordinated care.
When is Radiation Therapy Required to Treat Cancer?
Radiation therapy can be used to treat many kinds of cancer in almost any part of the body. More than half of all patients with cancer are treated with some form of radiation, and, for many cancer patients, radiation is the only kind of treatment needed. Thousands of people who have had radiation therapy alone or in combination with other types of cancer treatment are free of cancer.
With acceptable side effects, and optimal preservation of normal tissue, radiation therapy is a highly effective treatment for the following types of cancer:
- Breast Cancer - in both men and women
- Central Nervous System - tumors of the brain and spinal cord; brain metastases from unknown primary location
- Gastrointestinal - tumors of the gastrointestinal tract; unknown primary location
- Genitourinary - cancers of the urinary tract and male genital organs
- Gynecology - cancers of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, vulva and urethra
- Head & Neck - cancers of the head and neck, including melanoma
- Lymphoma - tumors in the lymph nodes or bone marrow, including multiple myeloma, Kaposi's sarcoma, mycosis fungoides
- Pediatrics - tumors and hematologic malignancies in children and adolescents
- Sarcoma - tumors in connective tissue, including fat and muscle
- Thoracic - cancers of the lung, thymus, and esophagus
What Are the Different Types of Radiation Therapy?
Many forms of radiation are available. The best choice depends on:
- Your diagnosis
- The extent of your disease and
- The location of your tumor.
What to Expect During Your Radiation Therapy
Spectrum radiation oncologists work closely with you and other members of the radiation therapy team to provide you with comprehensive care. During the course of your radiation therapy, you will be cared for by a group of skilled professionals. You will be assigned to a primary radiation oncologist, although you may also be seen by other radiation oncologists who are part of our group.
Initial Consultation
On your first visit, you will meet with one of our radiation oncologists. During the initial consultation we will talk with you to determine if radiation therapy is the best treatment for you. As part of the consultation, we will perform a full physical examination and review any laboratory or diagnostic reports from tests you have had. The radiation oncologist will discuss the extent of your disease, the rationale and plan of radiation therapy, and any possible side effects that you can expect from your radiation therapy.
Many patients find that it is helpful to bring someone with them for the initial consultation. Please feel free to bring your spouse, family member, or close friend with you.
Simulation
Once we have determined that radiation therapy is the best course of treatment for you, you will be scheduled for a CT simulation.
The purpose of the simulation is to map out the specific area to be treated. A radiation therapist, under the direction of a Spectrum radiation oncologist, will take special x-rays, which mark the area to be treated; these will be reviewed by the radiation oncologist. The radiation therapist and dosimetrist (a specialist who uses computers to help design treatment plans) will take measurements and may place small marks on your skin to be used during treatment.
Your treatment may require the use of certain devices to help you remain still comfortably (pillows, foam cushions, face masks) and to protect normal tissue around the tumor. The simulation will last approximately one hour. If you are having pain, you may want to take your pain medicine about one hour before the simulation.
Afterwards, all of the information gathered during your simulation will be used by the radiation oncologist to plan your treatment.
Radiation Treatments
Normally, all your treatments will be given at the same time five days a week for a period of two to eight weeks.
The radiation therapist will position you on the treatment table using the marks that were placed on your skin during simulation.
During the initial treatment, we will take special x-rays called 'port films' which are used by your radiation oncologist to verify the treatment area. These films will be taken every seven to ten days while you are under treatment. They do not tell how your treatment is progressing, but serve as a way of assuring treatment accuracy.
You will be in the treatment room approximately 10-20 minutes, but the actual treatment will only take one or two minutes. During the treatment, you will hear a humming noise when the radiation beam is turned on. You will not experience any effects during the treatment. The radiation therapist will be watching you on a TV monitor and talking with you using an intercom.
To keep the treatment schedule running smoothly, please arrive ten minutes prior to your scheduled treatment time. If you are having problems with the treatment time given to you, talk with your therapist. We will do our best to help you resolve scheduling conflicts. If you are sick and unable to report for your treatment, please call us. Any missed treatments will need to be rescheduled so that we achieve the total dose of radiation needed to treat your cancer.
Follow-up Appointment
Once you have completed radiation therapy, you will typically have regular follow up exams with a Spectrum radiation oncologist. If you will need follow-up lab tests or x-rays, we will discuss this with you. Generally speaking, we like to schedule follow-up visits with you at three to six month intervals for the first year and yearly thereafter. Some patients are referred back to their primary care physician or oncologist for follow-up. We will review your follow-up plan with you at the end of your therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radiation Therapy
- How does radiation therapy work?
- How do I make an appointment?
- Will radiation therapy make me radioactive?
- Who administers my treatment?
- How long will I be undergoing treatment?
- Will the treatment hurt while they are being given?
- Why must I remain alone during my treatment?
- How often will I get radiation treatments?
- What delays can I expect?
- Which side effects may I have? How long will they last?
- How do I take care of my skin while undergoing radiation therapy?
- Will I be able to have sex?
- What steps can I take to help myself during treatment?
- What should I do about medicine?
- What if I have other questions?
How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Radiation therapy effectively treats cancer by using high-energy x-rays to pinpoint and destroy cancerous cells in your body. Although radiation therapy is similar to having an x-ray taken of a broken bone, the dose of radiation in cancer treatment is stronger and given over a longer period of time.
Cancers are growths of abnormal cells. Different types of cancer react to radiation in different ways, so treatments vary. Also, it will take time for your body to get rid of dead cancer cells. After you have completed treatment, months may pass before the tumor is completely gone.
With careful planning, radiation can be directed to the cancer and away from most healthy tissues. In order to accomplish this, we may direct the radiation treatment from more than one side of your body or from different angles. You may also need more than one type of radiation.
Patients are generally referred by their physician. Patients can, however, refer themselves to Spectrum for cancer diagnosis, treatment, screening, or a second opinion.
Will Radiation Therapy Make Me Radioactive?
No. After treatment, you will not be radioactive. You can continue to enjoy the same contact with your family and friends as before your diagnosis without fear of exposing them to radiation.
If you are hospitalized for insertion of internal radioactive sources, you will stay in a protected room until the source of radiation is removed. If you need this type of radiation, your doctor will explain the process to you in detail.
A Spectrum radiation oncologist specifies what area of your body is to be treated and for how long. This includes the amount of radiation you will receive each day and the total number of treatment days. We also manage any medical problems that may develop during your treatment. Each patient under treatment has a scheduled appointment at least once a week with his or her radiation oncologist. If a problem arises outside of this scheduled appointment time, arrangements can be made to meet with us or a nurse who works with us. A radiation therapist delivers the prescribed treatment and will help you before and after your treatments. All hospital radiation therapists are licensed, certified professionals who have completed extensive training in radiation therapy and patient care.
A radiation therapy nurse works closely with the radiation oncologist to help you throughout your course of treatment. The health care team also includes other physicians and dosimetrists.
How Long Will I Be Undergoing Treatment?
On average, the course of treatment for radiation therapy takes 2 to 8 weeks. Experience has shown that this time period enables your body to better tolerate the effects of the radiation.
Will the Treatments Hurt While They Are Being Given?
No; the treatments do not hurt. However, the treatment table is firm and can be a little uncomfortable. Over time, you may experience side effects from your treatment. Before you start treatment, your doctor will review potential side effects.
Why Must I Remain Alone During My Treatment?
Even though the radiation therapist is not in the treatment room with you, you are not really alone. We are always in communication with you by intercom and can see you using a video camera. The radiation therapist can stop the treatment and attend to your needs at any time during your treatment.
How often Will I Get Radiation Treatments?
Your treatments will probably most likely be scheduled every weekday, Monday through Friday. Once a week, the radiation oncologist will meet with you to examine you and review your progress. This scheduled check-up will take longer than the treatment visits, and will allow you to discuss and any side effects or questions that you may have.
Our goal is to make certain that you are seen on time. However, with any doctor's office, delays can occur. If you are waiting longer than 30 minutes, please check with the patient service coordinator.
Which Side Effects May I Have and how Long Will They Last?
Side effects depend on the part of the body being treated. Most go away a few weeks after treatment is completed. Some common side effects include:
Irritated skin
Skin can become irritated in the treatment area. This usually happens after about 4 weeks of radiation therapy. Report any skin problems to your nurse or doctor. Refer to the next section for skin care information.
Fatigue
You may feel more tired than usual. Make sure to get plenty of rest, and do not overexert yourself. By getting plenty of rest and not overexerting yourself, you can reduce fatigue.
Loss of appetite
You may not feel like eating. This side effect is common if your abdomen or mouth is in part of the treatment area. If so, try eating several small meals or snacks (dry toast or crackers) throughout the day, instead of three big meals. If you would like more tips on eating during your treatment, a nurse at the treatment center can arrange for you to meet with the dietitian.
Hair loss
Hair loss may occur, but only in the area being treated.
You will receive specific information about your type of radiation therapy. This information will include what to do in the event of problems and how to manage your specific side effects. Be sure to let us know if you are experiencing any side effects.
How Do I Take Care of My Skin While I am Undergoing Radiation Therapy?
Toward the end of your treatment, the radiated skin may become pink and itchy. In some cases, the skin will blister and flake similar to a sunburn.
What to do:
Leave the marks on your skin until all of your treatments are finished. In some cases, you may rinse the treatment area with warm water, but do not rub or scrub off the marks. Your nurse will talk with you in more detail about care of your treatment area.
Do not use soap on the marks. Wear loose fitting, cotton clothing that does not rub the treatment area. Do not put any source of heat or cold on the treatment area, and do not let the sun shine on the area. If your skin itches in the treatment area, do not scratch it. If this is a problem for you, tell your nurse or doctor. Some medicines may relieve the itching. Do not put anything (cream, lotion, powder, makeup) on the treatment area unless your doctor or nurse says it is OK to do so. After your treatment is complete, your doctor may give you an ointment to soothe the skin. Before shaving any part of your treatment area, check with your nurse or doctor. If you are allowed to shave, use an electric shaver.
You may have sex if it is comfortable for you. You are not radioactive, and your partner is in no danger from the radiation treatments or the cancer. If you are a woman of childbearing age and have sex during treatment, you must use some type of birth control. Your doctor can help you decide what kind of birth control is best for you.
If you want or need to talk with someone about other sexual health concerns, we can help you schedule an appointment with a social worker. Coping with the diagnosis of cancer and its treatment can be difficult. The radiation therapy health care team is here to help you. Please tell your nurse or doctor us about your concerns.
What Steps Can I Take to Help Myself During Treatment?
- Eat a well-balanced diet. Every day, choose foods from these groups: breads and cereals; meats, eggs or beans; milk or milk products; vegetables and fruits.
- Try to eat enough food to keep your weight at the same level as before treatment. Your body needs more calories now, so you may need to eat more than usual. A dietitian from the radiation therapy clinic can help you set up a food plan.
- Tell your doctor or nurse if you lose or gain 10 or more pounds.
- Drink at least 8 cups of fluid every day. Fluids may include water, gelatin, ice pops, juices, iced tea, soup, and milk.
- If you notice your weight going down, try to drink fluids that are high in calories, such as milk shakes or nutritional supplements.
- Get some exercise and plenty of rest. It is OK to continue your regular activities as long as you take rest periods and do not overexert yourself. Your doctor will talk with you about how much exercise you should get.
- Try to sleep at least six hours at night, and take naps during the day if you can.
What Should I Do About Medicine?
On your initial visit with the radiation oncologist, let us know if you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medicines. These can usually be continued throughout your treatment, but some changes may be recommended. Once you begin treatment, you will meet with the radiation oncologist weekly; if needed, he or she will prescribe medication to help reduce any side effects. Your local primary care doctor will still prescribe any medications you are taking for problems other than cancer.
What If I Have Other Questions?
If you or your family members have any questions about your care, please ask us or any member of the radiation therapy team. You may also talk with a social worker, which we can arrange for you.
Being told that you have cancer can affect you and your family in many different ways. A social worker may be able to help you with individual counseling, support groups, community resources, transportation, and housing.
With your help, your radiation therapy team can give you the best care possible.
A radiation oncologist is on call weekday evenings, weekends, and holidays. If you need to speak with us, please call the location where you receive your treatments and leave your name and phone number with our answering service. We will return your call as soon as possible.
© Copyright 2011 Spectrum Medical Group. All Rights Reserved.