Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy
introduction






























































conclusion

1. RADIATION THERAPY Prepared by : Ms. Nimisha Chacko

2. INTRODUCTION   The modality of treatment of cancer are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Operating team must first ascertain all relevant information about tumor and patient. Key tumor variables are histological type and stage. Those related to patient are age, general health, occupation, and social support. Both surgery and radiotherapy are local treatments, either in combination or individually both often effect a cure.

3. DEFINITION   According to JOHN BEUMER AND THOMAS A. CURTIS. Radiation therapy is defined as" the therapeutic use of ionizing radiation in the management of neoplasms of the body without surgery or as an adjunctive palliative treatment after surgery , either in combination with or with out chemotherapy”.

4. Radiation Therapy uses/goal 1) To cure cancer 2) To reduce symptoms

5. Principles of Radiotherapy Delivering of an optimal dose to the tumor Minimal damage of surrounding organs & tissues. Measures stimulating protective forces of the body

6. TYPES OF RADIATION THERAPY external Radiation Therapy Internal Radiation Therapy

7. 1) External Radiation Therapy Proton Beam Therapy Neutron Beam Therapy Stereotactic Radiotherapy

8. Proton Beam Therapy

9. Neutron Beam Therapy

10. Stereotactic Radiotherapy

11. 2) Internal Radiation Therapy Places radioactive material into tumor or surrounding tissue. Also called brachytherapy – brachy Greek for “short distance.” Radiation sources placed close to the tumor so large doses can hit the cancer cells.

12. NURSING MANAGEMENT The nurse explain the procedure for delivering radiation, describe the equipment, duration of procedure, possible need for immobilization If implant is used the nurse informs patient and family about restrictions placed on visitors Explain to the patient his role before, during and after procedure Assess patient skin, nutritional status, oral mucosa for change

13. CONTI… Patient skin protected from irritation and instructed to avoid using ointment, lotions or powder on the area Provide oral hygiene to remove debris and promote healing If patient feel fatigue assist him in activity of daily living Explain that fatigue and malaise are S\E from Rx and not indicate deterioration Explain purpose from isolating patient

14. Side effects of radiation therapy

15. CONTI.. Part of the Body Being Treated Possible Side Effects Brain Fatigue Hair loss Nausea and vomiting Skin changes Headache Blurry vision

16. CONTI.. Breast Fatigue Skin changes Swelling (Edema) Tenderness Chest Fatigue Hair loss Skin changes Throat changes, such as trouble swallowing Cough Shortness of breath

17. CONTI.. Head and Neck Fatigue Hair loss Mouth changes Skin changes Taste changes Throat changes, such as trouble swallowing Less active thyroid gland

18. CONTI.. Pelvis Diarrhea Fatigue Hair loss Nausea and vomiting Sexual problems ( men) Fertility problems (men) Sexual problems ( women) Fertility problems (women) Skin changes Urinary and bladder changes

19. CONTI.. Rectum Diarrhea Fatigue Hair loss Sexual problems (men) Fertility problems (men) Sexual problems (women) Fertility problems (women) Skin changes Urinary and bladder changes

20. CONTI.. Stomach and Abdomen Diarrhea Fatigue Hair loss Nausea and vomiting Skin changes Urinary and bladder changes

21. CONCLUSION Radiotherapy has an essential role in radical and palliative management of cancer patients. Family physicians participating in care of cancer patients can help facilitate referral for radiotherapy when they encounter patients with oncologic problems or complications amenable to radiotherapy treatment.