Säteilyterapia

Säteilyterapia, also known as radiation therapy or radiotherapy, is a medical treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is a common and effective treatment for many types of cancer. The radiation works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which prevents them from growing and dividing. While the radiation can also damage healthy cells, medical professionals use various techniques to minimize this effect.

There are two main types of säteilyterapia: external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy). External beam radiation therapy is the most common type, where a machine outside the body directs radiation at the cancerous area. Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources inside the body, either temporarily or permanently, close to the tumor.

The decision to use säteilyterapia depends on the type of cancer, its stage, the patient's overall health, and whether it is being used alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy. Side effects can vary depending on the area of the body being treated and the dose of radiation, and may include fatigue, skin changes, and irritation of the treated area. These side effects are often temporary and can be managed with supportive care. Säteilyterapia is a highly specialized field, and treatment plans are carefully designed and monitored by a team of oncologists, radiation therapists, and medical physicists.