Strålebehandlingar

Strålebehandlingar, often referred to as radiation therapy, is a medical treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. While it targets cancer cells, it can also affect healthy cells in the treatment area, leading to side effects.

There are two main types of strålebehandlingar: external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy). External beam radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to deliver radiation to the cancer. Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources directly inside or very close to the tumor. The choice of treatment depends on the type, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health.

Strålebehandlingar can be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy. It is a crucial component in the treatment of many types of cancer, aiming to cure the disease, control its growth, or relieve symptoms like pain. The treatment plan is highly personalized and is determined by a team of medical professionals, including radiation oncologists and medical physicists. Side effects are carefully managed and often temporary.