Day 20 A month of Teal : Radiation Therapy Treatments

Instead of using chemicals, radiation therapy uses high energy particles such as x-rays to destroy cancer cells.  A radiation oncologist is specially trained to deliver this therapy.

While radiation therapy is not usually given for initial treatment of ovarian cancer there may be times when a women experiencing a recurrence may be offered radiation for small localized areas such a lymph nodes or small lesions in difficult to operate areas.

Most radiation treatments are given using external radiation but for some gynecologic cancers internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy is used. 

Side effects include

• fatigue, 
• mild skin reactions, 
• upset stomach
• loose bowel movements.

For additional information please visit
http://www.foundationforwomenscancer.org/types-of-gynecologic-cancers/cervical/diagnosis-and-treatment/radiation-therapy/

or print out this brochure from ASTRO.
http://radonc.ucla.edu/workfiles/gyn07.pdf 

Dee
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