"Will the body carry radiation after radiotherapy?" "Will the side effects of radiotherapy be particularly severe?"
"Will the body carry radiation after radiotherapy?" "Will the side effects of radiotherapy be particularly severe?"... As one of the important means for treating malignant tumors, radiotherapy is widely used in clinical practice. However, in actual clinical diagnosis and treatment, many patients lack sufficient understanding of it and are often troubled by various concerns, which may even lead them to miss the best treatment opportunity.
Professor Peng Shaohua, Vice President of Hainan Cancer Hospital and Director of the Radiotherapy Department, explained common misconceptions about radiotherapy.
Rumor One
Radiotherapy radiation is intense and can damage normal cells
Professor Peng Shaohua explained that ionizing radiation does exist during radiotherapy. However, this radiation is "directionally" controlled through professional techniques, and is usually concentrated only in the tumor lesion area. Other parts of the body receive very little radiation, and the harm to the body is almost negligible.
In most cases, radiotherapy is administered externally, also known as external beam radiation therapy. This type of radiation is emitted by radiotherapy equipment, and once the treatment is complete, the radiation ceases. Therefore, there is no radiation source inside the patients body, and they do not "carry radiation." After the treatment is over, there is no longer any radiation left in the body, making it safe to have normal contact with family members and children.
The Hainan Cancer Hospital has introduced the "CyberKnife", an international cutting-edge radiotherapy equipment renowned as a "cancer-fighting wonder weapon". Relying on advanced imaging guidance and intelligent tracking technology, it can capture tumor position changes in real time, achieving micron-level precise localization of tumor lesions. Its unique "non-coplanar" stereotactic technology can minimize radiation damage to normal tissues surrounding the tumor. Patients undergoing radiotherapy almost have no "sensation".
Rumor 2
Will radiotherapy cause all hair to fall out?
Professor Peng Shaohua stated that whether radiotherapy will cause hair loss depends on the site of treatment. Radiotherapy is a localized treatment method, and its effects and impact are mainly concentrated in the specific area receiving radiotherapy. If the site of radiotherapy is the scalp or head, hair loss may occur. However, if radiotherapy is targeted at other parts of the body, it will generally not cause hair loss.
Rumor Three
Only patients with advanced tumors need radiotherapy
Radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy are collectively known as the "three pillars" of cancer treatment. In medically advanced countries, approximately 70% of patients with solid tumors receive radiotherapy at various stages of their treatment.
Professor Peng Shaohua emphasized that radiotherapy has two major advantages: "widely applicable stages and low invasiveness."
01 Applicable stage: All
It spans the entire course of tumor progression from early, middle to late stages, enabling radical treatment in collaboration with surgery in the early stage, as well as controlling tumor progression and alleviating symptoms in the middle and late stages;
02 Less traumatic:
As a local treatment method, it does not require surgery and has relatively lenient requirements for patients basic physical conditions. It is especially suitable for elderly patients who cannot tolerate surgery or for tumors with special lesion locations (such as near major blood vessels or nerves), and can exert therapeutic effects while ensuring quality of life.
Therefore, radiotherapy is an "invisible master" in killing tumors. Its application covers the entire course of the disease, from early, middle to late stages of tumors, and it is not only used for late-stage tumors.
Rumor Four
Simultaneously undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy
The body will be "broken down"
Many patients are concerned that concurrent chemoradiotherapy may be too taxing on the body. "This concern is unnecessary," Professor Peng Shaohua explained. Firstly, for patients who meet the indications, concurrent chemoradiotherapy is a clinically validated standard treatment method. It can effectively enhance anti-tumor efficacy and help improve survival rates. Secondly, doctors will strictly evaluate the tumor type, patient tolerance, and organ function status when formulating the treatment plan. Only when it is ensured that the treatment is safe and effective will it be implemented.
Overall
Radiotherapy combined with other treatments is safer and more effective. Recent clinical practice has shown that patients benefit more from combined treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Science popularization expert
Peng Shaohua, Vice President
Director of Radiotherapy Department
Chief Physician, Professor
Medical expertise
Radiotherapy and combined chemoradiotherapy for malignant tumors.
Clinic Hours
Friday morning
Written by | Chen Lin