How is radiation used to treat cancer?
It depends on the type of cancer and the reason for the radiation.
If radiation is given to treat pain, for example, a short course of daily radiation for 10-15 days is often recommended.
If radiation is given for possible cure, as in cervical cancer, daily radiation for 5-6 weeks is often necessary.
What are the general side effects of radiation?
Side effects depend upon where the radiation is being given and may include skin rash, possible nausea or vomiting, and sometimes urinary burning and diarrhea. Fatigue is almost universal.
When is surgery recommended to treat cancer?
Usually, surgery is indicated for the excision, or removal, of cancers in a specific site, if there is no evidence the cancer has spread and is growing elsewhere.
Solid tumors that are found in local/regional stages virtually always require some form of surgery to control them. Then, they often require some radiation and/or chemotherapy to decrease the chance that the cancer will recur.
Also, surgery may be performed for patients with specific symptoms due to the cancer, such as bowel blockage, for which other treatments wouldn't be effective.
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