by Mario Depeine Sr

Created on: May 28, 2008

Radiation therapy is the use of radioactive elements (X-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, etc.) to destroy the nucleus of cancer cells that create tumors in the body. Normally, this radioactivity exposure is dangerous to humans that is why there are precautions taken in the X-ray room. In cancer treatment, the radiation is applied to the cancerous cells in high doses.

Every cell in the human body is like a perfect tiny, microscopic machine. The cells have little organs called "organelles." These organs, like our regular organs (lung, heart, skin, etc.), have a specific function. In each cell, there is a mitochondrion; it is responsible for producing energy for the cell. There is also the vacuole; it is responsible for storing water and various chemicals. They store insoluble waste as well. The Ribosome is used to synthesize or create proteins. The nucleus of the cell is like the brain of the cell. It contains all of the genetic material (DNA and RNA) needed to instruct the cell on how to grow and reproduce itself. Through the nucleus our cells multiply and become blood cells, skin cells, muscle cells, nerve cells (neurons) and so on.

In cancer, the cell's nucleus malfunctions and multiplies by duplicating unproductive and detrimental cells. Cells are reproduced that do not function in the workings of the body. In essence, "imposter" cells are created. So if an individual has cancer cells in 50% of his stomach, then the stomach can only operate as a stomach at a capacity rate of 50%. At a very quick rate, the nucleus of all the stomach cells can be taken over by the cancer's DNA. The remaining mass that looks like a stomach would in effect not be a stomach any more because the DNA information that creates stomach cells would have been completely destroyed. A new but useless mass would exist in the place of the stomach.

Radiation therapy is designed to decrease the effects of the "bad DNA." Patients undergo radiation treatment to destroy the "bad" cells while attempting to minimize the destruction of the "good" cells.

The therapy can be internal or external. The external radiation treatment is also known as external-beam radiation therapy. A machine is used to aim high-energy rays at the affected area outside of the body. External radiation treatment is usually an outpatient visit. Internal radiation (also known as brachytherapy) therapy involves the implant of "seeds" inside the body at the affected area. Higher doses of radiation can be placed in the affected area while minimizing the destruction of "good" cells. This treatment is usually an inpatient visit. The person is usually kept in a private room and precautions are taken because of the increased radiation.

The side effects to radiation therapy are usually based on the area in which the radiation is applied. Here are some examples: Patients who had radiation applied to the head and neck area experience mouth and dental problems. Those where radiation was applied to the pelvic area have experienced digestive, bladder, and fertility problems. Radiation in the stomach or abdominal area can lead to vomiting, nausea or diarrhea. Regardless of the area of application, most patients feel tired and very emotional. They may feel angry, alone, depressed, afraid and frustrated. This is very understandable, considering the trauma that their bodies are experiencing.

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