Radiation has been effective in treating cancers of the head and neck, and bladder and lung cancer.
What Exactly Is Radiation Therapy?
Through the use of certain types of energy, radiation is used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This energy can be waves or particles like protons, electrons, x-rays and gamma rays.
How is Radiation Given?
Radiation is administered two ways: internal radiation (brachytherapy) and external radiation (systemic).Internal radiation uses radiation that is placed very close to the tumor site. The source is the radiation is placed in a small container, called an implant.If surgery has been done and cancer cells are still present, it is usually placed at the incision site.
External radiation is done on an outpatient basis at a hospital. A large machine is used to point radiation at the cancer and possibly surrounding tissues.
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Side effects vary among treatment plans. Only a physician will be able to provide side effect expectations because it really does vary among treatment.However, the most common side effects experienced during radiation therapy are:
- fatigue
- changes of the skin
- loss of appetite
The Costs of Radiation Therapy
Radiation can be very expensive, depending on the amount of treatments a person needs and how often it is given. The cost is high because of the machinery itself and the amount of specially trained professional needed to administer the treatment.It is covered by Medicaid in most states and is covered under Medicare, Part B.
Most private insurances cover radiation therapy. Check with your provider about what is covered.
Each clinic or hospital has a financial specialist on staff that can help determine the costs and means to pay. This should all be discussed prior to treatment.
