Radiation

Question 1

Radiation targets?

Answer 1

-Cellular DNA

Question 2

Goal:

Answer 2

To destroy the rapidly dividing cancer cells while damaging normal cells as little as possible

Question 3

Treatment approaches

Answer 3

• External beam radiation

- Intracavitary & interstitial implants (brachytherapy- small implant, radiation source- place close to tumor)

Question 4

Tumors with rapidly dividing cells generally respond better to?

Answer 4

Radiation treatment

Question 5

Lymphomas & epithelial tumors, can at times?

Answer 5

Be destroyed by radiation rather than surgery

Question 6

Used for:

Answer 6

• treatment of localized masses not surgically accessible
• In situation where surgery would be deleterious (causing harm or damage) to pt
• Following surgery to treat residual neoplasm
• Before surgery to shrink the tumor
• in treatment of lymph nodes in the expected pathways of particular types of cancer.

Question 7

Palliatively to relieve:

Answer 7

• pain
• obstruction
• malignant effusions ( cancer causes an abnormal amount of fluid to collect between thin layers of tissue)
• cough
• dyspnea- SOB
• Ulcerative lesions
• Hemohrrage

Question 8

Systemic side effects:

Answer 8

• Weakness
• fatigue
• anorexia
• nausea
• vomiting
• anemia
• diarrhea

Question 9

Localized _____ effects are ______ to area treated

Answer 9

Side
Particular
i.e. head, neck, brain etc…

Question 10

Side effects may _____ to treatment with ______ and ______ management

Answer 10

-respond
-drugs
-dietary management
(EAT)

Question 11

________ requires frequent blood ______ with emphasis on _____ and platelets and also _____ skin care

Answer 11

• Radiation
• counts
• WBC’s
• Special