When is radiation therapy prescribed? What is radiation therapy in oncology - the pros and cons of cancer therapy. Possible risks of radiation therapy


Irradiation (radiation therapy, radiotherapy, radiation therapy) is the use of ionizing radiation (x-rays, gamma radiation, beta radiation, neutron radiation) to damage, destroy, kill cancer cells, as well as stop the growth and reproduction of new mutated cells. Radiation is a localized treatment that typically affects only the part of the body where the radiation was directed.

As mentioned above, after radiation, cancer cells are damaged, although radiation can affect healthy cells in the body in the same way. Based on this, cancer after radiation may be accompanied by some complications that arise as side effects (depending on the part of the body on which irradiation was performed; on the location of the malignant neoplasm).

What is radiation treatment for cancer?

Radiation is a method of treating cancer using high-energy radiation (specifically X-rays). The type of radiation, as well as its amount, must be carefully calculated before starting therapy (in such an amount that the radiation can damage abnormal cells) by the treating oncologist team. During the treatment of oncology, irradiation stops the division of cancer cells and, as a result, their number will decrease.

Benefits of Irradiation

As we already know, the goal of radiation therapy is to destroy mutated cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Also, radiation can be used to treat any type of cancer, in almost any part of the body. In some cases, irradiation can be carried out as a separate treatment, but most often it is used in combination with other methods of fighting cancer.

Radiation can be carried out both before and after surgical treatment (before - to reduce the size of the tumor, after - to stop the growth of cancer cells that could remain after surgical excision of the malignant neoplasm). It can also be performed during or after chemotherapy or hormone therapy in order to improve overall results.

Despite the fact that such treatment is sometimes called radical, radiation therapy is designed to provide a long-term effect for a person with cancer.

This palliative treatment is aimed at reducing the size of the tumor, reducing pain, and relieving other symptoms of cancer. In addition, palliative radiation therapy can prolong the life of a cancer patient.

Cancer after radiation – what to expect? Consequences and complications

As already mentioned, radiation can damage and destroy normal cells, and also cause some side effects as cancer cells break down. Most of these side effects are temporary, rarely severe and do not pose a particular threat to the general condition and life of the patient. Remember, your doctor will not advise you to undergo radiation if the risks and complications outweigh the benefits. Also, the attending physician is obliged to inform you if this treatment in your case may adversely affect your health and provoke certain consequences. All necessary information you must receive it in writing.

If a female is exposed to radiation, she should under no circumstances be in position at the time of therapy, since radiation therapy can greatly harm the unborn child, especially in the first three months of pregnancy. The doctor is obliged to inform you in advance about all the pros and cons of this treatment, O possible consequences and complications that may arise after radiation exposure, and provide written information about this.

Radiation therapy as a method of treating cancer has been widely used for several decades. It ensures the preservation of the organ and its functions, reduces pain, improves survival rates and the patient’s quality of life. The essence of radiation therapy is the use of high-energy ionizing radiation (wave or corpuscular). It is directed to the area of ​​the body affected by the tumor. The principle of irradiation is to disrupt the reproductive abilities of cancer cells, as a result the body gets rid of them naturally. Radiation therapy damages cancer cells by negatively affecting their DNA, making them unable to divide and grow.

This treatment method is the most effective for destroying actively dividing cells. Increased cell sensitivity malignant tumors to ionizing radiation is caused by 2 main factors: firstly, they divide much faster than healthy cells, and secondly, they cannot repair damage as effectively as normal cells. Radiation therapy is carried out using a radiation source - a linear accelerator of charged particles. This device accelerates electrons and produces gamma rays or x-rays.

Some types of radiation therapy

Radiation for cancer is possible using sources of radioactive radiation placed in the patient's body (so-called internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy). In this case, the radioactive substance is located inside catheters, needles, and special conductors that are implanted inside the tumor or placed in close proximity to it. Brachytherapy is a fairly common method of treating prostate, cervical, uterine, and breast cancer. The radiation acts so accurately from the inside on the tumor that the negative effect on healthy organs minimal.

Some patients are given radiotherapy instead of surgery, for example for laryngeal cancer. In other cases, radiation therapy is only part of the treatment plan. If radiation for cancer is prescribed after surgery, it is called adjuvant. It is possible to perform radiotherapy before surgery, in which case it is called neoadjuvant, or induction. This type of radiation therapy makes the operation easier.

When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, the most effective methods are used to combat it. modern techniques. One of them, radiation therapy, is widely used in oncology after surgical treatment and, although it has side effects, helps to cope with the problem. Who is prescribed such procedures, what complications arise, are there any contraindications - this is discussed in detail in the review of the treatment of malignant tumors with radiation.

What is radiation therapy

The essence of the therapy method is to influence pathogenic cancer cells ionizing radiation to which they show increased sensitivity. Peculiarity radiation treatment– radiotherapy – healthy cells do not undergo changes. The main tasks that radiation treatment solves for cancer:

  • limiting tumor growth;
  • damage to malignant cells;
  • prevention of the development of metastases.

The technique for cancer is performed using a linear accelerator in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy, and is used to treat bone growths. During the procedure, the affected tissues are irradiated. With ionizing effects on cancer cells:

  • their DNA changes;
  • cell damage occurs;
  • their destruction begins due to changes in metabolism;
  • tissue replacement occurs.

Indications for use

Radiation in oncology is used as the impact of radiation on tumors with high radiosensitivity and rapid spread. Radiation exposure is prescribed when malignant neoplasms appear in various organs. Therapy is indicated for the treatment of cancer of the mammary glands, female genital organs, as well as:

  • brain;
  • stomach, rectum;
  • prostate gland;
  • language;
  • skin;
  • lungs;
  • larynx;
  • nasopharynx.

Radiotherapy in oncology has indications such as:

Kinds

In modern oncology, several types of radiation exposure are practiced. They differ in the source of radiation of radioactive isotopes and the way they influence the body. The installations used by clinics for cancer treatment use:

  • alpha radiation;
  • beta therapy;
  • X-ray irradiation;
  • gamma therapy;
  • neutron exposure;
  • proton therapy;
  • pi-meson irradiation.

Radiation treatment of cancer involves two types of procedures – remote and contact. In the first case, the device is located at a distance from the patient, static or moving irradiation is performed. Contact radiation methods work differently:

  • application - acts through special pads on the tumor area;
  • internal - drugs are injected into the blood;
  • interstitial – threads filled with isotopes are placed in the tumor area;
  • intracavitary irradiation - the device is inserted inside the affected organ - the esophagus, uterus, nasopharynx.

Side effects

Application of radiotherapy methods in therapy oncological diseases often causes unpleasant consequences. After sessions in patients, except therapeutic effect, systemic side effects. Patients note that:

  • appetite decreases;
  • swelling appears at the irradiation site;
  • weakness occurs;
  • mood changes;
  • pursues chronic fatigue;
  • hair fall out;
  • hearing decreases;
  • vision deteriorates;
  • weight decreases;
  • sleep is disturbed;
  • the composition of the blood changes.

When carrying out procedures in radiology, radiation beams have a local Negative influence on the skin. At the same time, there are side effects:

  • radiation ulcers form;
  • color changes skin;
  • burns appear;
  • sensitivity increases;
  • skin damage develops in the form of blisters;
  • peeling, itching, dryness, redness occurs;
  • infection of the affected areas is possible.

Contraindications

Radiation for oncological diseases has limitations for its use. Doctors prescribing procedures after surgery should take this into account. Therapy sessions are contraindicated in the following cases:

  • pregnancy;
  • the patient's serious condition;
  • presence of signs of intoxication;
  • fever;
  • radiation sickness;
  • severe form of anemia;
  • severe exhaustion of the body;
  • malignant neoplasms with bleeding;
  • concomitant diseases severe form;
  • sharp decline leukocytes, platelets in the blood.

Carrying out radiation therapy

Before performing the procedure, the exact location and size of the tumor is determined. The number of sessions and radiation doses are selected individually depending on the size of the tumor, the type of cells, and the nature of the pathology. The treatment process is easily tolerated, but requires subsequent rest. After radiation exposure, side effects are possible. During therapy:

  • the patient is in a supine position;
  • special devices are used to protect adjacent tissues;
  • the session lasts up to 45 minutes - depends on the method;
  • the course ranges from 14 days to seven weeks.

Consequences

Doctors warn patients that the results of radiation can be unpredictable. It depends on the patient’s condition, the course of the disease, and the type of cancer. A complete cure and no results from radiation exposure are possible. The consequences of the procedures may take several months to appear. Depending on the location of the tumor, the following may develop:

  • in the head area – feelings of heaviness, hair loss;
  • on the face, neck - dry mouth, problems with swallowing, hoarseness;
  • V abdominal cavity– diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss;
  • on the mammary gland - muscle pain, cough.

After hysterectomy

When, as a result of the development of a cancerous tumor, the uterus is removed and radiation exposure is administered, first of all, this becomes a psychological trauma. A woman is afraid that changes will occur in relationships and problems with her sex life will arise. Doctors recommend starting sexual intercourse two months after therapy. Possible consequences of radiation treatment:

  • digestive disorders;
  • intoxication of the body;
  • vomiting;
  • pain in the stomach;
  • itching, burning on the skin;
  • dryness in the vagina, on the genitals.

Recovery after radiation therapy

To make the process of returning to normal life after procedures faster and to reduce the risk of side effects, doctors recommend following a number of rules. When identifying newly emerging discomfort you need to consult a doctor. To speed up recovery, it is recommended:

Treatment of burns

At radiation damage skin caused by maximum dose radiation, burns similar to sunburn appear. They may occur immediately after the procedure or appear after some time. The treatment process can be long and difficult. When providing first medical care Use wipes with an antibacterial composition. For the treatment of skin burns it is recommended:

  • strict diet;
  • drinking plenty of water;
  • use of Tenon ointment;
  • applying Shostakovsky balm;
  • bandages with sea ​​buckthorn oil;
  • compresses with juice of plantain leaves, aloe.

Diet food

After radiation treatment of a cancerous tumor, it is necessary to adhere to a strict diet. Alcohol, marinades, canned foods, and foods rich in cholesterol should be excluded from the diet. You cannot eat baked goods, sweets, strong tea, or pickles. When irradiating the oral cavity, food should be warm, liquid, and soft. After therapy it is recommended to use:

  • whipped cream;
  • eggs;
  • nuts;
  • meat broths;
  • natural honey;
  • lean fish;
  • potato;
  • greenery;
  • porridge;
  • cabbage;
  • dairy products;
  • fruits;
  • carrot;
  • peas;
  • beets;
  • beans.

What to do if you have a fever

When performing a radiation exposure procedure on cancerous tumors an increase in temperature is possible. It may indicate the beginning of recovery - substances from destroyed cells enter the blood and act on the heat regulation center. Possible factors are infection of the body, dilation of blood vessels at the site of irradiation. Only a doctor.

Cancer is the most unpleasant prognosis that a doctor can offer. There is still no medicine that guarantees a cure for this disease. The insidiousness of cancer is that it affects almost all known organs. In addition, cancer can spread its “tentacles” even into the body of domestic animals. Is there a way to fight this enemy? Radiation therapy in oncology is considered one of the most effective methods. But the point is that many refuse this prospect.

Let's go through the basics

What do we know about cancer? This disease is almost incurable. Moreover, the incidence is growing every year. The French are most often affected by the disease, which is explained by the aging population, since the disease often affects older people.

In essence, cancer is a disease of cells, during which they begin to continuously divide, forming new pathologies. By the way, cancer cells do not die, but simply transform into a new stage. This is the most dangerous moment. Our body a priori has a certain supply of cancer cells, but they can grow quantitatively due to external factors, which are bad habits, abuse of fatty foods, stress or even heredity.

However, the tumor that is formed by these cells can be benign if it grows outside the organ. In such a situation, it can be cut out and thereby eliminate the problem. But if the tumor grows on the bone or it has grown through healthy tissue, then cutting it out is almost impossible. In any case, if the tumor is removed surgically, then radiation therapy is inevitable. This method is quite common in oncology. But more and more sick people are abandoning this practice due to fear of radiation exposure.

Types of treatment

If there is a disease, then it is worth considering the main methods of treatment. These include surgical removal tumors. By the way, it is always removed with a reserve to eliminate the risk of possible tumor growth into healthy tissue. In particular, for breast cancer, the entire gland is removed along with the axillary and subclavian lymph nodes. If you miss a certain part of the cancer cells, the growth of metastases accelerates and chemotherapy is required, which is effective method against rapidly dividing cells. Radiotherapy, which kills malignant cells, is also in use. In addition, cryo- and photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy are used to help the immune system fight the tumor. If the tumor is detected at an advanced stage, then a combination treatment or administration may be prescribed narcotic drugs, relieving pain and depression.

Indications

So, when is radiation therapy needed in oncology? When talking with a sick person, the most important thing is to rationally explain the need for this method of treatment and clearly formulate the goal that you want to achieve in this way. If the tumor is malignant, then radiation therapy in oncology is used as the main method of treatment or in combination with surgery. The doctor expects the treatment to reduce the size of the tumor, temporarily stop growth, relieve pain syndrome. For two thirds of cancer cases, radiation therapy is used in oncology. The consequences of this method are expressed in increased sensitivity of the diseased area. For some types of tumors, radiation therapy is preferable to surgical method, as it is characterized by less trauma and the best cosmetic result in open areas.

At epithelial tumors combined radiation and surgery, and the primary one is radiation, as it helps to reduce the tumor and suppress its growth. If the operation was not effective enough, then postoperative radiation is indicated.

For forms with distant metastases, a combination of radiation and chemotherapy is indicated.

Contraindications

When is radiation therapy clearly inappropriate in oncology? The consequences are not the most pleasant if there is lymphopenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, as well as any diseases accompanied high temperature And febrile state. If you will be exposed to radiation chest, then the risk factor will be cardiovascular or respiratory failure, as well as pneumonia.

Radiation therapy in oncology after surgery is indicated for those people who have excellent central nervous system health and genitourinary system. They shouldn't endure acute diseases, have pustules, allergic rashes or inflammation of the skin. There are also conditions, for example, anemia cannot be considered a contraindication if bleeding is coming from a tumor. After all, after the first sessions of therapy, bleeding may stop.

Unexpected risk

Radiation therapy in oncology after surgery may be unjustified risk, if the patient’s medical history contains a record of a tuberculosis process. The fact is that irradiation makes it likely that a dormant infection will worsen from latent foci. But at the same time, closed forms of tuberculosis will not be considered a contraindication, although they will require drug treatment during radiation therapy.

Accordingly, exacerbation will be possible subject to the existing inflammatory process, purulent foci, bacterial or viral infections.

Based on all of the above, it can be revealed that the use of radiation therapy is determined by specific circumstances based on a set of arguments. In particular, the criteria will be the expected time frame for the manifestation of results and the likely life expectancy of the patient.

Specific Goals

Tumor tissue is very sensitive to radioactive radiation. That is why radiation therapy has become widespread. Oncology treatment with radiation therapy is carried out with the aim of damaging cancer cells and their subsequent death. The impact is also carried out on primary tumor, and on isolated metastases. The goal may also be to limit aggressive cell growth with the possible transfer of the tumor to an operable state. Also, to prevent the occurrence of metastases in cells, radiation therapy in oncology may be recommended. The consequences, reviews and mood of sick people differ polarly, since, in essence, it involves irradiating the body in order to destroy damaged cells. How will this affect your health? Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict with accuracy, since everything depends on individual characteristics body.

Types of therapy

With an eye to the properties and sources of the beam beam, different kinds radiation therapy in oncology. These are alpha, beta, gamma therapies, as well as neutron, pi-meson and proton. There is also X-ray and electron therapy. For every type of cancer radiation exposure gives a unique effect, since cells behave differently depending on the degree of damage and severity of the disease. With equal success, you can count on a complete cure or absolutely zero result.

When choosing an irradiation method important role the location of the tumor plays a role, since it may be located near vital important organs or vessels. Internal irradiation occurs when a radioactive substance is placed into the body through the alimentary tract, bronchi, bladder or vagina. The substance can also be injected into blood vessels or through contact during surgery.

But external radiation comes through the skin. It can be general or focused on a specific area. The source of radiation may be radioactive chemical substances or special medical equipment. If external and internal irradiation is performed simultaneously, it is called combined radiotherapy. Based on the distance between the skin and the beam source, remote, close-focus and contact irradiation is distinguished.

Algorithm of actions

But how is radiation therapy done for oncology? Treatment begins with histological confirmation of the presence of a tumor. Already on the basis of this document, tissue affiliation, localization and clinical stage are established. The radiologist, based on these data, calculates the radiation dose and the number of sessions required for treatment. All calculations can now be done automatically, since there are corresponding computer programs. Available data also help determine whether radiation therapy should be given in combination with or without other modalities. If the treatment is combined, then irradiation can be carried out both before and after surgery. According to the standard, the duration of the course of radiation before surgery should be no more than three weeks. During this time, radiation therapy can significantly reduce the size of the tumor. In oncology, reviews of this method are very polar, since the effect remains unpredictable. It also happens that the body literally repels radiation or accepts it with healthy cells rather than diseased ones.

If radiation therapy is carried out after surgery, it can last from a month to two.

Side effects of the procedure

After starting a course of treatment, a sick person may experience weakness and chronic fatigue. His appetite decreases and his mood worsens. Accordingly, he can lose a lot of weight. Changes can be observed in tests - the number of red blood cells, platelets and leukocytes in the blood decreases. In some cases, the site of contact with the beam may become swollen and inflamed. This can cause ulcers to form.

Until recently, irradiation was carried out without taking into account the fact that healthy cells could also fall into the action zone. However, science is moving forward and intraoperative radiation therapy has appeared in breast oncology. The essence of the technique is that the irradiation process can be started at the surgical stage, that is, after excision, the beam can be directed to the intervention site. Promptness in this matter allows us to minimize the likelihood of residual tumor, as it is neutralized.

With a breast tumor, a woman always has the risk that she will have to part with her breasts. This prospect is often even more frightening than fatal disease. And breast restoration through intervention plastic surgeons too expensive for average residents. Therefore, women turn to radiation therapy as a means of salvation, since it can allow them to limit themselves to excision of the tumor itself, rather than removing the gland completely. Places of possible germination will be treated with rays.

The effect of radiation therapy directly depends on the patient’s health, his mood, available side diseases and depth of penetration of radiological rays. Often the effects of radiation appear in those patients who have undergone a long course of treatment. Minor pain may occur for a long time- these are the affected ones muscle tissue remind you of yourself.

The main problem of women

According to statistics, radiation therapy in uterine oncology is the most common treatment method. This pathology occurs in older women. It must be said that the uterus is a multi-layered organ, and cancer affects the walls, spreading to other organs and tissues. IN last years Uterine cancer also occurs among young women, which doctors often explain by early onset of sexual activity and carelessness regarding contraception. If you “catch” the disease on early stage, then it can be cured completely, but in late period It will not be possible to achieve complete remission, but following the recommendations of the oncologist, you can prolong a person’s life.

Treatment for uterine cancer is based on surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The bonus is hormonal treatment, special diet and immunotherapy. If the cancer is actively progressing, then excision is not the right method. Best results can be achieved through irradiation. The procedure is prohibited in case of anemia, radiation sickness, multiple metastases and other ailments.

Radiotherapeutic techniques may vary in the distance between the source and the affected area. Contact radiotherapy is the mildest, since it involves internal exposure: a catheter is inserted into the vagina. Healthy tissues are practically not affected. In this case, can the cancer suffered be harmless? After radiation therapy, after removal of the uterus and other unpleasant procedures, the woman is weak and vulnerable, so she absolutely needs to reconsider her lifestyle and diet.

The uterus is removed if the tumor has grown greatly and affected the entire organ. Alas, in this situation, the possibility of further procreation is called into question. But this is not the time to regret, since so radical measures will extend the life of a sick woman. Now you need to reduce intoxication, which is done by drink plenty of fluids, reception plant food And vitamin complexes with the lion's share of antioxidants. Protein foods should be introduced into the diet gradually, focusing on fish, chicken or rabbit meat. Bad habits need to be eliminated once and for all, and preventive visits to an oncologist made a rule.

It is worth including foods that have anti-cancer effects in your diet. These include potatoes, cabbage in all varieties, onions, herbs and various spices. You can focus on dishes made from cereals or whole grains. Soybeans, asparagus and peas are held in high esteem. Beans, beets, carrots and fresh fruits are also useful. It is still better to replace meat with fish and eat low-fat fermented milk products more often. But all alcoholic drinks, strong tea, smoked and salty foods, and marinades are prohibited. We'll have to say goodbye to chocolate, processed foods and fast food.

Oncological diseases represent great danger for human life and are quite difficult to cure. One of the most effective types The cancer treatment that medicine offers today is the effect on the affected organs.

Patients to whom a doctor offers radiation for oncology are often interested in what it is, how it works and what the consequences of such treatment are.

What is radiotherapy?

The method is based on the properties of ionizing radiation, which has a depressing effect on the DNA of abnormal cells of malignant neoplasms.

There is a rule: the faster cells divide, the more they are affected by radiation. In this regard, the effect of ionizing radiation on abnormal cancer cells is detrimental to them.

X-ray radiation and others have a destructive effect on the genome of cells, so they stop dividing and die very quickly. The use of irradiation causes the tumor to decrease in size due to the fact that its cells die.

Treatment with radiation therapy can be carried out as the only method used, or can be used in combination with other methods.

The properties of ionizing radiation to destroy tumors at the cellular level and reduce its size are often used before prescribing surgery.

Radiotherapy is also carried out after surgical excision of the tumor in order to destroy the remaining abnormal cells that may remain even after completely successful operations.

In advanced cases of oncological processes, when the tumor begins to metastasize, the use of radiation therapy can reduce painful sensations, improve the patient’s condition and reduce the size of metastases.

Before prescribing treatment, the patient undergoes the necessary examinations, during which various diagnostic methods. Using diagnostic methods that allow you to visually assess the size, location, nature and stage of the pathological neoplasm, the doctor determines the method of treatment.

The dosage and type of ionizing radiation are determined based on the general condition of the patient, the presence of concomitant diseases, individual characteristics of the body and tumor parameters.

Types of irradiation

There are three main types of treatment. Methods are classified according to where the source of the active substance is located. x-ray radiation. On this basis, external beam radiation, brachytherapy and radionuclide method are distinguished.

The remote method involves treatment through external exposure to a directed flow of particles from a source located at some distance from the patient.

Brachytherapy is a method that involves the implantation of a radioactive source into the focus of the pathological process. With this method of fighting cancer, the effect is more targeted.

A radioactive grain placed directly into a tumor, emitting radiation, acts only on the tumor, almost without affecting healthy tissue.

The radionuclide method involves introducing specific preparations containing radioactive isotopes into the patient’s blood. chemical elements, capable of accumulating in certain types of body tissues.

Sources of X-rays and other rays travel through the bloodstream to all tissues, but accumulate in quantities sufficient to have a negative effect on cancer cells only in the affected tissues.

Scientists know which isotopes accumulate in certain types of tissues, and use drugs with a specific radioactive element to treat tumors in a specific organ.

Radiation therapy is also classified depending on the range of radiation used. On this basis, treatment is divided into alpha, beta and gamma, proton, neutron and x-ray irradiation.

Contraindications to radiation therapy

Before radiation procedures are performed, the patient is prescribed various tests and examinations. If detected low level hemoglobin, leukocytes, platelets or other negative changes in blood composition, radiation therapy is not prescribed.

Radiotherapy is contraindicated in people with exhaustion, general serious condition, provoked by the course of cancer or other pathological processes characterized by febrile symptoms.

Radiation therapy is not prescribed to patients with diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis in the active stage. Radiation should not be given to people who have recently had a myocardial infarction, have an acute or chronic condition of the liver or renal failure. Ionizing radiation therapy is never prescribed to women carrying a child.

Advantages and disadvantages of radiation therapy

The advantages of radiation therapy include fairly high efficiency, the ability to destroy abnormal cells and reduce the size of pathological formations.

The advantages include the effect of ionizing radiation on blood vessels located in and near the irradiated organ. The flow of particles provokes the development of thrombosis of these vessels.

In the treatment of cancer, this fact is considered a positive effect due to the fact that the delivery of nutrients to abnormal cells is significantly reduced, which reduces their viability.

The disadvantages of radiation therapy include numerous side effects of ionizing radiation, high sensitivity blood to radiation exposure. It should also be noted that not all body tissues respond to irradiation to a sufficient degree to achieve a therapeutic effect.

Cartilage and hard (bone) tissues are highly resistant to the effects of ionizing radiation.

Kidneys are difficult to treat with radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is also not used for cancerous formations in the tissues and membranes of the brain, since this organ is protected by bones, which are almost insensitive to the effects of radioactive rays, and the blood-brain barrier.

Consequences of radiation therapy

Radiation is dangerous for humans, and when irradiated, not only pathological tumor cells are affected, but also neighboring healthy tissues. Doctors are developing new ways to minimize the consequences radiation exposure in the treatment of oncological diseases, however, the negative effect has not yet been completely neutralized.

X-ray radiation destroys the neoplasm, as a result, the remains of destroyed cells end up in the bloodstream.

The use of ionizing radiation has local and systemic consequences. TO local consequences include: the occurrence of burns at the site of exposure, increased permeability vascular walls, their fragility and, as a result, numerous foci of small hemorrhages can form.

Also, during contact radiation therapy, ulcers may form on the areas of the skin exposed to radiation. Systemic consequences resulting from the penetration of destroyed cells into the blood include: nausea, lethargy, weakness, apathy, fast fatiguability at light loads.

Brittle nails and severe hair loss are also observed. The composition of the blood changes significantly. This set of symptoms is also called radiation sickness.

Recovery after treatment

Even though it has a positive therapeutic effect, radiation therapy has a negative effect on general state body, therefore after the course of treatment they carry out rehabilitation measures. Depending on the patient's condition before irradiation, rehabilitation period takes a period of three weeks or more.

After treatment, you must follow a daily routine, get up and go to bed at the same time. The consumption of cigarettes and alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Care should be taken to ensure that the diet is balanced and complete. The body needs it more than ever nutrients, vitamins, amino acids and minerals. After radiation therapy there is a decrease or complete absence appetite, but you need to force yourself.

Doctors recommend that patients take daily walks in the fresh air and regularly ventilate their living space after exposure to radiation. There is no need to be in the room during ventilation, as any draft can provoke illness.

It will be much more severe than before, since the immune system is depressed after exposure to radiation. To strengthen immune system it is necessary to take vitamin-mineral complexes and use herbal mixtures that promote the rapid removal of radionuclides from the body.

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