Uterine cancer
begins in the lining of the uterus. Radiation treatment for uterine cancer may be useful in preventing a recurrence after surgery or in treating a cancer that has already recurred. Unlike chemotherapy, radiation is not a systemic treatment. Cancer cells are destroyed only in the area where the radiation is actually delivered.
Benefits
Benefits of radiation treatment for uterine cancer include its effectiveness in killing cancer cells and a lower incidence of body-wide side effects. Chemotherapy has systemic side effects such as nausea, vomiting and hair loss. Since radiation is a local treatment, it is less likely produce adverse reactions and is better tolerated by patients.
Function
Radiation treatment works by directly delivering the dose to the cancer-affected location. Radiation is usually reserved for cancers that are limited to one specific area of the body. In contrast, chemotherapy can kill cancer cells not only in the specific tumor site, but also in other areas that cancerous cells may have migrated to.
Time Frame
Radiation treatment for uterine cancer is usually given every weekday for approximately 3 to 5 weeks. The treatment takes only a few minutes and is usually painless.
Effects
Radiation treatment for uterine cancer involves sites close to the bowel and bladder area and can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and urinary frequency. Other side effects or adverse reactions can include bowel obstruction, ulcers or even a secondary cancer due to the radiation treatment.
Considerations
Although radiation treatment for uterine cancer is usually well tolerated, side effects can occur. It is important to consider that most side effects can be effectively treated and should not deter a patient from continuing and complying with the radiation treatment plan.
Tags: side effects, treatment uterine, treatment uterine cancer, radiation treatment, Radiation treatment, uterine cancer
