sädehoidot

Sädehoito, also known as radiation therapy, is a medical treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is a common and effective method for treating various types of cancer, either as a primary treatment, in combination with other therapies like chemotherapy or surgery, or to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

The radiation used in sädehoito typically comes from specialized machines outside the body, a method called external beam radiation therapy. In some cases, radioactive materials can be placed inside the body near the tumor, known as brachytherapy or internal radiation therapy. The planning of sädehoito is a precise process that involves oncologists, radiation physicists, and dosimetrists to ensure the radiation targets the cancer effectively while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

The delivery of sädehoito is usually painless. Patients typically undergo treatment sessions over several weeks, with each session lasting only a few minutes. Common side effects can vary depending on the area of the body being treated and the total dose of radiation, but may include fatigue, skin changes, and irritation in the treated area. These side effects are usually temporary and manageable. Sädehoito plays a crucial role in modern cancer care, offering hope and improved outcomes for many patients.