Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy
- Radiotherapy is the name given to the treatment of cancer using radiation
- Although radiation can cause cancer, it is also highly effective at treating it
- Radiation can kill living cells
- Some cells, such as bacteria and cancer cells, are more susceptible to radiation than others
- During external radiotherapy, beams of gamma rays are directed at the cancerous tumour
- Surrounding healthy tissue tends to be shielded to avoid causing any damage
During radiotherapy, the beams are moved around to minimise harm to healthy tissue whilst still being aimed at the tumour
- During internal radiotherapy, small pellets of radioactive materials can also be inserted into a tumour exposing it directly to radiation