Shrinking Tumours with Radiation Therapy in Albuquerque: Understanding EBRT and Internal Therapy

Intro

Radiation therapy is a common and effective treatment for shrinking tumours in Albuquerque. There are two primary forms of radiation therapy used in the area: External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) and Internal Radiation Therapy. Both of these treatments work by damaging the DNA in cancer cells, causing them to die and tumours to shrink. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at these two treatments to better understand how they work in Albuquerque.

What is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy is a crucial treatment in Albuquerque for those battling cancer. It involves the use of high-energy radiation to target and kill cancer cells in the affected area. This form of treatment has been proven to be effective in shrinking tumours and reducing the spread of cancer.

In radiation therapy, various types of radiation can be used, including X-rays, gamma rays, and protons. These forms of radiation are carefully administered to the specific area of the body where the tumour is located. The goal is to destroy the cancer cells while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissues.

In Albuquerque, radiation therapy is available in two primary forms: External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) and Internal Radiation Therapy. With EBRT, a machine outside the body directs radiation towards the tumour. This allows for precise targeting of the cancer cells, minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. On the other hand, Internal Radiation Therapy involves placing a radioactive source inside the body, either temporarily or permanently, near the tumour.

Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA in cancer cells, disrupting their ability to divide and grow. This damage causes the cancer cells to die, leading to the shrinkage of tumours. While radiation therapy can be used as a standalone treatment, it is often combined with other therapies, such as surgery or chemotherapy, to increase the chances of a successful outcome.

It is important to note that radiation therapy does come with some risks and potential side effects. These may include fatigue, skin changes in the treatment area, and damage to nearby organs. However, these risks are carefully managed by a team of experienced medical professionals who work closely with the patient throughout the treatment process.

Overall, radiation therapy is a valuable tool in the fight against cancer in Albuquerque. Its ability to target and kill cancer cells, along with its potential for shrinking tumours, makes it an essential treatment option for those battling this devastating disease.

Types of radiation therapy

When it comes to radiation therapy in Albuquerque, there are two main types that are commonly used: External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) and Internal Radiation Therapy. Each type has its own unique characteristics and uses, providing patients with different options for their treatment.

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) is the more common type of radiation therapy used in Albuquerque. With EBRT, a machine outside the body delivers high-energy radiation beams directly to the tumor site. The beams are carefully targeted to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This type of radiation therapy is typically given in short daily sessions over a period of several weeks, allowing the body time to heal between treatments. EBRT is a versatile treatment option, as it can be used to treat many different types of cancer.

Internal Radiation Therapy, also known as brachytherapy, is another form of radiation therapy used in Albuquerque. With this type of therapy, a small radioactive source is placed inside the body, either temporarily or permanently, near the tumor. The radiation is emitted from the source and damages the cancer cells from within. This targeted approach allows for a higher dose of radiation to be delivered directly to the tumor, while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue. Internal radiation therapy is often used for cancers in areas such as the prostate, cervix, or breast.

External beam radiation therapy (EBRT)

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) is a widely used and highly effective form of radiation therapy in Albuquerque. This treatment involves the use of a machine outside the body to deliver high-energy radiation beams directly to the tumor site. By precisely targeting the cancer cells, EBRT aims to destroy them while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.

The use of EBRT in Albuquerque is crucial for patients battling cancer. This form of radiation therapy can treat various types of cancer, including prostate, breast, lung, and brain cancer. It is often used as a primary treatment to shrink tumors before surgery or as an adjuvant treatment after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

One of the key advantages of EBRT is its versatility. The radiation beams can be adjusted to match the shape and size of the tumor, ensuring optimal treatment. Additionally, EBRT allows for treatment of tumors located deep within the body, as the radiation beams can penetrate the skin and reach the affected area.

Patients receiving EBRT typically undergo short daily sessions over a period of several weeks. This treatment schedule allows the body time to heal between sessions and helps to maximize the effectiveness of the therapy.

Although EBRT is a highly effective treatment, it does come with some risks and potential side effects. These can include fatigue, skin changes in the treatment area, and damage to nearby organs. However, these risks are carefully managed by a team of experienced medical professionals who work closely with the patient throughout the treatment process.

Overall, External Beam Radiation Therapy is a crucial component of radiation therapy in Albuquerque. Its ability to target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue makes it a highly effective and widely used treatment option for patients battling cancer in the area.

Internal radiation therapy

Internal radiation therapy, also known as brachytherapy, is a specialized form of radiation treatment that plays a significant role in cancer care in Albuquerque. Unlike external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), which targets the tumor from outside the body, internal radiation therapy involves placing a small radioactive source inside the body near the tumor. This approach allows for a more targeted and concentrated dose of radiation to be delivered directly to the cancer cells.

In Albuquerque, internal radiation therapy is commonly used to treat cancers in areas such as the prostate, cervix, and breast. The radioactive source can be placed temporarily or permanently, depending on the specific treatment plan. Temporary placement involves the use of applicators or catheters that are inserted into the body and remain in place for a designated period of time. Permanent placement, on the other hand, involves the implantation of small radioactive seeds that remain in the body indefinitely.

The localized delivery of radiation in internal radiation therapy offers several advantages. First, it allows for a higher dose of radiation to be administered to the tumor, increasing its effectiveness. Additionally, because the radiation is emitted from within the body, the surrounding healthy tissues are spared from unnecessary exposure. This can result in fewer side effects compared to EBRT.

Internal radiation therapy is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that patients can go home on the same day as their treatment. However, it is important to note that there may still be some discomfort or limitations following the procedure, which will be discussed with the patient by their medical team.

How internal radiation therapy works

The process of internal radiation therapy begins with the insertion of applicators or catheters into the body, which are carefully positioned near the tumor. These applicators serve as delivery mechanisms for the radioactive source. The radiation source can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the specific treatment plan.

With temporary placement, the radioactive source remains inside the body for a designated period of time. This period could range from a few minutes to several days, depending on the treatment plan. During this time, the patient may be required to stay in the hospital or undergo treatment on an outpatient basis. The medical team closely monitors the patient to ensure the radiation is effectively targeting the tumor and not causing harm to healthy tissues.

In the case of permanent placement, small radioactive seeds or pellets are implanted directly into the tumor. These seeds emit a continuous low dose of radiation over time, gradually shrinking the tumor. The seeds remain in the body indefinitely and lose their radioactivity over the course of weeks to months.

Risks and side effects of radiation therapy

Radiation therapy, like any medical treatment, comes with its own set of risks and potential side effects. It’s important to be aware of these before undergoing treatment. While radiation therapy is generally safe and effective, it’s crucial to understand what to expect and how to manage any potential issues.

One of the main risks associated with radiation therapy is damage to nearby healthy tissues. The high-energy radiation beams used in treatment can inadvertently affect healthy cells surrounding the tumor. This can lead to side effects such as fatigue, skin changes in the treatment area, and damage to nearby organs. However, it’s important to note that these risks are carefully managed and minimized by a team of experienced medical professionals. They will closely monitor the treatment process and make adjustments as necessary to minimize side effects.

In some cases, radiation therapy can also increase the risk of developing other types of cancer later in life. However, the benefits of radiation therapy in treating the current cancer often outweigh the potential risks of future cancer development.

It’s also important to be aware that everyone’s experience with radiation therapy is unique. Some people may experience minimal side effects, while others may have more pronounced effects. Your medical team will work closely with you to manage any side effects and provide support throughout your treatment journey.

Benefits of radiation therapy

Radiation therapy offers a multitude of benefits for patients undergoing cancer treatment in Albuquerque. While there are risks and potential side effects, it’s important to understand the positive outcomes that radiation therapy can provide.

One of the key benefits of radiation therapy is its effectiveness in shrinking tumours. By targeting and damaging the DNA in cancer cells, radiation therapy directly attacks the source of the disease. This can lead to a significant reduction in tumour size, which can improve symptoms and overall quality of life for patients.

In addition to shrinking tumours, radiation therapy can also be used to control the growth and spread of cancer. This is especially important in cases where surgery may not be an option or when combined with other treatments like chemotherapy. Radiation therapy works synergistically with other treatment modalities to increase the chances of successful outcomes and improve long-term survival rates.

Radiation therapy also offers the benefit of being a localized treatment. Unlike systemic treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy is directed specifically at the tumour site, minimizing damage to healthy tissues. This targeted approach not only increases the effectiveness of treatment but also reduces the potential for debilitating side effects.

Furthermore, radiation therapy can provide relief from cancer-related symptoms. It can alleviate pain, reduce bleeding or other discomforts associated with tumours, and improve overall quality of life. This can be especially important for patients with advanced cancer or those who are not candidates for curative treatment.

Understanding EBRT and Internal Therapy for Tumours in Albuquerque Receiving Radiation Therapy