|
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer
cells. External-beam radiation therapy focuses radiation from outside
the body on the cancer. This type of radiation therapy is most often
used to treat esophageal cancer. Internal radiation therapy, also known
as brachytherapy, places radioactive material directly into or near the
cancer.
Radiation therapy can be used as the primary (main) treatment
of esophageal cancer in some patients. It is used more often for people
who can't have surgery due to poor health. In fact, some doctors think
radiation therapy can be as effective as surgery when it is combined
with chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy may be given after surgery, to kill any tiny
deposits of cancer cells that may have been left behind but are too
small to see. This is known as adjuvant
therapy. When radiation is be used to ease the symptoms of
esophageal cancer such as pain, bleeding, difficulty swallowing it may
be called palliative
therapy.
Most often, radiation therapy is combined with surgery and/or
chemotherapy. Use of radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy might
be curative for some people and provide good relief of symptoms and
extend survival for others.
The form of radiation therapy known as brachytherapy is useful
in shrinking tumors so a patient can swallow more easily. In this
procedure, radioactive seeds are placed into the tumor through an
endoscope. This technique cannot be used to treat a very large area, so
it is better used as a way to relieve symptoms (and not to cure the
cancer).
Side effects of radiation therapy may include:
- skin changes -- ranging from something like a sunburn to
blistering and open sores
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- painful sores in the mouth and throat
These side effects are often worse if chemotherapy is given at
the same time as radiation. During treatment of the esophagus, the
radiation kills the normal cells in the lining, leading to painful
swallowing. This improves after treatment. Most side effects of
radiation are temporary, but some rare serious side effects can be
permanent. For example, radiation to the chest can cause lung damage,
which may lead to problems breathing and shortness of breath.
Talk with your doctor before and during treatment about what
side effects you can expect and any ways that they may be reduced.
Last Medical Review: 05/04/2009
Last Revised: 05/13/2009
|
