Radiation Therapy for treating Cancer is one of the
popularly known options for the longest time. It is also referred as
Radiotherapy by some clinicians. Radiation therapy is usually one of the early
or initial treatment interventions, in spite of many challenges associated with
it. The treatment is designed to expose the cancerous cells to high doses of radiation.
Beams of intense energy have the ability to kill the cancer cells. High energy
particles such as x-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or protons are used to
target the malignant cells in Radiotherapy. This can also affect the normal
healthy cells while targeting the tumor cells. Additional treatments may be
recommended for speedy recovery.
Radiotherapy is an approved treatment procedure
in India. Statistical estimates suggest that more than half of patients treated
for cancer may undergo Radiation Therapy. It is customized based on the type
and stage of cancer. In many cases, it could be the only treatment with almost
no other alternative. It can also be offered in combination with surgery or
chemotherapy. When given before surgery, the aim is to shrink the tumor size.
The same would serve the purpose of stopping the growth of unresected cancer
cells after the surgery. There are different types of radiation therapy such as
external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy and systemic radiation therapy.
Each of these therapies is specific to the tumor type and nature of cancer.
There are well specified lifetime dose limits that can’t be exceeded. Head and
neck, breast, cervix and prostate cancers are most commonly treated by
Radiotherapy.
Radiotherapy is a key specialty segment in any
multi-specialty or super specialty Hospital offering Cancer treatments. However,
there may be some exceptionally good and reliable centers in comparison with
other clinics. It is important for the experts to recommend the ideal dose and
radiation professionals to be accurate with precision. Considering the possible
side effects and adverse events post treatment, clinics and Hospitals with
better facilities to offer post treatment care should be preferred. It is also
wise to select your Hospital in such a way that all other related treatments
and consultations can be obtained at one place. Professional nursing care is
always an aspect to consider while looking for an ideal clinical set up.
Your choice of Radiation Oncologist makes all
the difference, no matter how good and sophisticated your Hospital is. There
are many top rated Hospitals that promote multiple services including
Radiotherapy that may or may not have in-house Oncologists. There are many
scenarios during which multi-specialty clinics or nursing homes depend on external
or visiting consultants. Understating the level of seniority, experience and
reputation of your treating physician is very important. Patients must analyze
their choice of Oncologist considering the long term nature of Cancer
treatments. A reliable physician is always known for assisting patients with
various options and alternatives, allowing them to make informed decisions.
Kenosis Health can assist patients with the
feedback based on certain well known parameters regarding their choice of
Hospital and Physician when it comes to Radiation Therapy for Cancer Care.
Reach us for more insights.