Cancer has become more popular today than before and remains among the leading causes of death. However, medical professionals are determined to take charge of the condition, so more and more advancements are made in cancer treatment options. Radiation oncology is one of the most effective cancer treatments to prevent cancer progression. The radiation oncologist Surprise specialists specialize in the treatment and use high-energy beams to destroy targeted cancer cells. Many patients have benefited from the treatment, which can either minimize pain or kill cancer cells. Follow through for more information about the condition.
Radiation Oncology is Effective with Fewer Side Effects
As mentioned above, radiation oncology has benefited many cancer patients and has proven effective in controlling cancer cases. You can effectively manage your cancer with radiation oncology, especially when you discover it early. However, it cannot go without mentioning some risks involved in the process. Some people report late or early side effects after radiation oncology treatment. The high-intensity radiation waves can attack healthy cells close to the targeted cancer cells. You can experience some skin changes and fatigue. However, not everyone experiences these symptoms.
Radiation Oncology Can be Done Alongside Other Options
Managing cancer requires all efforts put in place. Sometimes one treatment plan might not be enough to manage your symptoms and control the nacreous cells. Fortunately, radiation oncology can effectively deliver results alone or combined with other treatments. Your doctor can opt to combine the treatment with surgery or chemotherapy for the best results. Radiation therapy can shrink the cancer cells making the situation more manageable with additional treatments. Sometimes certain drugs can also be used before radiotherapy to make it more effective depending on the type of cancer being treated.
Hair Loss is Uncommon
Many people think that hair loss is common almost with all cancer treatments, but that is not entirely true. It is normal to experience hair loss after radiation therapy involving your scalp, especially when treating brain tumors. Also, when managing breast cancer, you might lose hair in other areas, like the armpits. However, scalp hair loss is only lost when dealing with a brain tumor. The side effect is more common with other treatments like chemotherapy but not with radiation oncology.
Radiation Oncology Involves Teamwork
Delivering radiation oncology successfully requires a team of medical professionals working side by side. Your main provider can be a radiation oncologist who oversees the whole process. You can also work with a radiation therapist who positions you for the treatment and operates the treatment machine. Also, you can work with a radiation oncology nurse who offers support throughout the treatment and explains the treatment to you about the process. the nurse also tackles any questions you might have and helps you prepare for the treatment and manage any side effects.
Side Effects Vary
Radiation oncology affects different patients differently. Everyone is unique, and the body will react differently to radiation. Some people can experience skin peeling, darkness, and redness around the treatment area. Others can feel nauseated depending on the areas being treated. When treating the liver, brain, or upper abdomen, vomiting and nausea are common. Fortunately, most side effects fade away after the treatment and can be easily managed with medications.
Radiation oncology is a lifesaving treatment. Talk to the Arizona Center for Cancer Care specialists to learn about the treatment. Your provider will help you understand what you can gain from the treatment.