Cancer Treatment Utilizing Radiation and Its Side Effects
One of New Cancer Treatment is radiation therapy
. An aura of mystery often surrounds this kind of method. The patient receiving radiation therapy is often encountering much emotional turmoil related to the cancer experience and its treatments. Management of the patient involves providing physical care, psychosocial support and teaching the patient and family about the procedure. Not only that, they need to be informed about reporting and managing the symptoms. Not only that, they must learn about the side effects that they can experience after an external radiation therapy.
Both general and site-specific side effects result from this kind of cancer treatment. General side effects include anorexia and fatigue. Site-specific side effects are related to the body part being radiated. After side effects have been identified, management must be done related to the specific needs of the problem.
Skin reactions which occur at the site of therapy include erythema, desquamation and abnormal pigmentation. These reactions develop during and soon after radiation therapy is completed. Atrophy, shrinking of the epidermal layer, dilatation and pronounced visibility of capillaries, depigmentation, and subcutaneous fibrosis can occur months or years after therapy is discontinued. Skin cancer and necrotic ulcerative lesions are the most severe late manifestations of radiation therapy.
Skin care of the radiation site is extremely important. The skin should be inspected for redness and the patient questioned about changes in sensation. The patient should be instructed that lotions, ointments, powders and soaps should not be applied to the skin being radiated as they may interfere with the cancer treatment and cause more irritation to the skin. Additionally, instructions to avoid rubbing the skin and to avoid heat, cold, and sunlight to radiated areas need to be stressed.
Individuals receiving radiation therapy to the scalp will experience loss of hear or medically known as alopecia because epithelial cells surrounding hair follicles are damaged. The hair usually regrows slowly and may be thinner than prior to treatment. Mucous membranes manifest similar reactions as the skin. Radiation to the mouth and head and neck areas may lead to decreased saliva production, mouth and throat pain, and diminished sensations of taste and smell. A thorough dental examination should be performed prior to therapy as the incidence of dental caries may increase.
Radiation to the esophagus or lungs may result in difficulty in swallowing. Soft and liquid diets can be used. Emphasis on a high-protein, high calorie diet is important to maintain adequate nutritional status. This kind of
New Cancer Treatment to the stomach may produce nausea. Prescribed antiemetics can be given on a regular schedule, 30 to 60 minutes before meals. When intestines are radiated, diarrhea may result. The use of anti-diarrheal preparations is helpful especially if administered on a regular basis. Foods that slow transit time should be encouraged.
Cancer prevention is as much as possible done to be able to keep from doing the treatments on an individual. There are a lot of treatment options and each has its side effects. External radiation therapy specifically can cause a lot of effects on the specific site where it will be applied.
One treatment of cancer involves the use of radiation therapy. It is an effective method although the patient will have to experience certain side effects. Click on http://newcancertreatment.org/blog/ to get more updates about cancer.
Cancer Treatment Utilizing Radiation and Its Side Effects
By: helen mae quinn
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