Radiotherapy Flashcards
What is radiation therapy
The use of high energy ionising rays or particles to treat cancer
How are the cells damaged directly and indirectly by radiation?
Directly damages the RNA or DNA directly
Indirectly causes molecular changes and this damages the DNA
What are the side effects of radiotherapy
Erythema: moist desquamation; irritation of surrounding areas fatigue anxiety life disruption
What is the main side effect of head and neck radiation
Can cause mouth pain due to mucositis thrush taste alterations
Treat early
What other problems can be very debilitating with radiation
Breathing changes due to irritation leading to coughing breathlessness etc
Swallowing changes including pain on swallowing, difficulty swallowing solids, easily irritated by acid reflux
What is the main debilitating side effect of pelvic irradiation
Diarrhoea
Treat or prevent by advising a low fiber low fat
