Why Radiation is Preferred Over Chemotherapy in Some Cancer Cases ?

Radiation and Chemo, both the therapies are used for treating different cancers. In Radiation therapy, the patient is exposed to high intensity waves that helps stop the multiplication of cancerous cells. It is used with or without chemo therapy, depending on the condition of the patient. Whereas, in chemo therapy, a single or a combination of drugs is injected into the patient’s blood who target the infected area and kill the cancerous cells.

When a person is declared with cancer, there are a number of factors which determine the type of treatment he/she will receive. These are:

• Type of cancer

• Size

• Stage

• Location

• Patient’s age

• Patient’s medical health

Keeping in mind and doing some more tests, the specialized team of doctors assigns the patient the best available treatment. Whether it’s chemo therapy or radiation therapy, they both have their side effects which can affect a patient. Radiation therapy can make the patient tired and affects the hormonal balance of the body, which may affect reproductive part. It can stiffen the muscles and the patient may require physical therapy beside radiation. There are also chances of skin diseases.  Whereas, chemo therapy can cause hair loss, anemia, infection, nausea or diarrhea.

Normally, radiation therapy is performed on patients who are suffering from the following cancers:

• Breast cancer

• Cervical, ovarian, pelvic cancer

• Head and neck cancer

• Lung cancer

• Perianal cancer

• Prostate cancer

Radiation oncology program in India has spread its roots to different parts of the world. We today, have the most advanced machines with highly specialized doctors and technicians. A person undertaking radiation is closely monitored and given the best possible treatment they could perform.

Radiation oncology in Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai have shown the best results in India. Doctors have claimed that in some cases it is better to perform radiation rather than chemo as it affects only the cancerous cells and does not harm the healthy cells surrounding it. When the cancer is not too acute, and is at a stage where the growth is slow, the doctors recommend radiation as it helps in relieving the pain and pressure the patient feels due to the cancerous tumor pressing in their bodies.

Sometimes, radiation therapy is also used after the chemo therapy just to destroy the left over cells, which have the risk of multiplying and reiterating the cancer. In this case, the doctors perform the therapy immediately after the chemo so the cells won’t have the slightest chance of surviving.

Another case where Radiation is preferred is when the cancer is too large to treat. Here, the doctor focuses on reducing the size of the cancer so that the inflammation is reduced and patient is free from pain.

Cancer is a chilling phenomenon. Whatever may be the treatment, in the end, all that matters is to defeat. The patient had to put his/her complete faith in the doctor and the treatment. He/she should be well aware of the treatment, and then only they can defeat it.

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