External Beam Radiotherapy
About external beam radiotherapy
External beam radiation is the most widely used type of radiation therapy, and it most often uses photon beams. The radiation comes from a machine outside the body and is focused on the cancer. It’s a lot like getting an x-ray, but for longer. This type of radiation is most often given by machines called linear accelerators (linacs).
External beam radiation can be used to treat large areas of the body. It also can treat more than one area, such as the main tumor and nearby lymph nodes. External radiation is usually given daily over several weeks. It’s given in an outpatient clinic or treatment center, so you don’t have to stay in the hospital. The radiation is aimed at the cancer, but in most cases it affects the normal tissue it passes through on its way into and out of the body.
What is external beam radiotherapy?
It is a common cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
â– A large machine aims radiation at the cancer. The machine moves around you without touching you.
■It doesn’t hurt.
■It doesn’t make you radioactive.
■It can’t be seen, felt, or smelled.
How does treatment work?
At low doses, radiation is used as an x-ray to take pictures inside your body. In cancer treatment, higher doses of radiation are used to destroy cancer cells. The radiation that destroys cancer cells also injures nearby healthy cells. This is why you may have some side effects.
How long does treatment take?
â– The length of your treatment depends on your type and stage of cancer.
â– Most treatments take 2 to 10 weeks.
â– Most people get treatment once a day for 5 days in a row. Treatment usually happens on Monday through Friday. Sometimes, people get treatment twice in 1 day.
â– Most treatment visits last for 30 minutes to 1 hour. You will get radiation for only 1 to 5 minutes, but you may be in the treatment room for 15 to 30 minutes. Your visit may be longer if you have other tests done.
Before treatment starts:
You will meet with a doctor or nurse before your first treatment. He or she will tell you how the treatment works and how it can help you. You will also learn about any side effects to expect. Be sure to ask any questions you have.
Your first meeting:
â– You will get a checkup (physical exam). You and your doctor will talk about your health and medical history.
â– You might get tests, such as x-rays or CT scans.
Follow-up meeting:
â– Your radiation therapist will put small marks (tattoos or dots of colored ink) on your skin. These marks show where to aim the
radiation.
â– A body mold or mask might be made at this meeting. It will help you stay still during your treatment sessions.
During your treatment:
â– You will probably lie down on a treatment table.
â– Your radiation therapist will be in the next room to control the machine. He or she will be able to see, hear, and talk with you through a
speaker at all times.
■You will need to stay very still, but you won’t have to hold your breath.
â– You may see lights pointed at you. They are safe and show the therapist where to aim the radiation.
Source: National Cancer Institute | www.cancer.gov
