Radiation therapy in abdominal cancer is the process of destroying cancer cells in the abdomen (the area between the lower chest and the groin) or stomach, through high-beam radiations.
Radiation therapy in abdominal cancer is the process of destroying cancer cells in the abdomen (the area between the lower chest and the groin) or stomach, through high-beam radiations.
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Steps to take before the procedure
The preparation for the radiation treatment begins with X-ray tests or CT scan for accurate clinical assessment. Radiation therapists will mark the exact area for the radiation treatment. These marks are temporary and can be washed later. However, sometimes the marks can be permanent.
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What happens during the procedure?
The patient will be made to lie down on a treatment table or couch. A beam of rays will be directed to the marked area of the stomach. Your doctor may also give you certain medications to increase the effect of the therapy. The treatment lasts for several minutes.
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After surgery
Our doctors at Medanta will assist you thoroughly during the recovery period. The process generally does not require a hospital stay. Your doctor will also determine when and how the next session would be done.
The procedure effectively kills the cancerous cells inside the abdomen, but as any other radiation therapy, it also has some limitations, which a person must be aware of.
The advantages of Radiation Therapy in Abdominal Cancer are:
- The procedure is minimally invasive.
- Radiation therapy is also used for pain management or to prevent the spreading of the tumour cells.
- It is also an effective treatment to relieve the patient from any side-effects.
- Effective in slowing the tumour cell growth.
The risks associated with Radiation Therapy in Abdominal Cancer are:
- Redness, blistering, or peeling of the skin portion exposed to radiation.
- Chances of diarrhoea, cramps in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting.
- Fatigue.
If the treatment does not show desired results, the patient may need a subsequent session.
