Radiation therapy is a medical treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill or shrink cancer cells and reduce tumour size. It is a crucial part of radiology and plays a significant role in radiation oncology, often used alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy.
While radiotherapy is primarily used for cancer treatment, it can also help manage non-cancerous conditions. However, like any medical procedure, radiation therapy side effects can occur, varying from mild to severe, depending on the type and duration of treatment.
This guide explores what radiation therapy is, the different types, benefits, potential risks and when to seek medical attention.
Understanding Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. Since cancer cells are more sensitive to radiation than normal cells, the treatment effectively destroys them while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Types of Radiation Therapy
There are two primary types of radiation therapy:
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT):
Uses a machine called a linear accelerator to deliver radiation from outside the body.
Common for treating solid tumours, including breast radiation therapy, lung cancer and prostate cancer.
Advanced techniques include Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for precise targeting.
Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy):
Involves placing radioactive sources inside or near the tumour.
Used in breast cancer, cervical cancer and prostate cancer.
Delivers high doses of radiation directly to the tumour with minimal exposure to healthy tissue.
Other specialised forms include:
Proton Therapy: Uses protons instead of X-rays for more precise treatment.
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT): Administered during surgery to target remaining cancer cells.
Benefits of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy offers several advantages in cancer treatment:
Non-invasive: Unlike surgery, EBRT does not require incisions.
Effective for localised tumours: Helps shrink tumours before surgery or completely eradicating them.
Preserve organ function: In cases like breast radiation therapy, it avoids the need for mastectomy.
Palliative care: Used to relieve pain and symptoms in advanced cancer stages.
Can be combined with other treatments: Often used with chemotherapy or surgery to improve success rates.
Potential Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
The side effects of radiation therapy depend on factors like treatment area, dose and individual health conditions.
Common Short-Term Side Effects:
Skin irritation and redness: Like a sunburn in the treated area.
Fatigue: One of the most reported side effects.
Nausea and vomiting: Especially in abdominal or brain radiation.
Hair loss: If radiation is applied to the head or scalp.
Sore throat or difficulty swallowing: Common in radiation targeting the head, neck or chest.
Long-Term Side Effects:
Tissue scarring and fibrosis: Can lead to stiffness in treated areas.
Lymphedema: Swelling due to fluid buildup, particularly in breast or cervical cancer treatments.
Increased risk of secondary cancers: Though rare, long-term radiation exposure can contribute to cancer development in healthy tissues.
Changes in organ function: In rare cases, radiation can affect lung, heart or bowel function.
Radiation Therapy vs Other Treatment Options
Radiation Therapy vs Surgery
Radiation therapy is preferred for tumours that cannot be surgically removed.
Surgery is often the first-line treatment for localised cancers but may require radiation post-surgery to kill remaining cells.
Radiation Therapy vs Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy targets specific areas, while chemotherapy works throughout the body.
Chemotherapy is more effective for cancers that have spread, while radiation is better for localised tumours.
Radiation Therapy vs Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the immune system fight cancer but may take longer to show results.
Radiation therapy provides a more immediate response for shrinking tumours.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Patients undergoing radiation therapy should contact the best oncology hospital doctors UAE if they experience:
Severe fatigue affects daily life.
Persistent pain, swelling or bleeding in the treated area.
Difficulty breathing, swallowing or extreme weight loss.
Signs of infection, such as fever or unexplained body aches.
Regular follow-ups with an oncologist are essential to monitor progress and manage side effects.
If you or a loved one requires radiation therapy, it’s essential to choose a trusted medical provider with advanced technology and experienced specialists. At Mediclinic UAE, our expert oncology doctors and radiologists offer state-of-the-art radiation oncology treatments tailored to your needs. Whether you need breast radiation therapy, radiotherapy for cancer or guidance on managing radiation therapy side effects, our team is here to support you every step of the way.