Advanced radiotherapy treatment sessions in Turkey: Affordable prices 2024

Types of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a versatile approach to cancer treatment. In many cases, it can be used as a primary treatment for cancer, along with surgery or chemotherapy. In other cases, it is used as a palliative treatment to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life in patients with advanced cancer. It may also be used to treat recurrent tumors or metastases or to shrink tumors before surgery. 

There are three types of radiation therapy:

• External beam radiation therapy: A linear accelerator produces radiation that penetrates the skin and passes through healthy tissue to attack the tumor. During treatment, a radiation oncologist carefully plans the dose and course of radiation to minimize damage to healthy tissue while effectively treating cancer cells.
• Brachytherapy: Radioactive sources are placed inside the patient's body. This is internal radiation therapy, very close to the tumor. This delivers a high dose of radiation directly to the cancer cells while minimizing exposure to surrounding tissue.
• Metabolic radiotherapy (internal vectorized): Used to treat certain types of thyroid cancer, Vaquez's disease, etc., this involves the oral administration of a radioactive substance that binds precisely to the cancer cells and destroys them.

Preparing for radiotherapy: steps to follow

Before starting radiation therapy in Turkey, the patient will have a consultation with the radiation oncologist to discuss the treatment plan. During this consultation, the oncologist will assess various elements such as the type of cancer, the size and location of the tumor, and the patient's overall health.

Based on these criteria, the oncologist will determine the appropriate radiation dose and treatment schedule for the patient.

Cancer treatment planning in Turkey may also include advanced imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs. These scans provide a precise three-dimensional map of the treatment area, providing a solid foundation for targeted and effective intervention.

What happens during a radiation therapy session?

During a radiotherapy session, the patient is placed on a treatment table in the radiation therapy room. The treatment room is designed to meet safety standards for ionizing radiation.

The therapist will use immobilization devices to ensure that the patient remains immobile during treatment. The radiotherapist will then deliver the prescribed dose of radiation using a machine that emits radiation beams.

Although you are alone in the room during the session, you remain in constant contact with the therapists via an intercom system. A video camera also keeps an eye on you at all times. The room remains lit throughout the session, and the treatment can be interrupted immediately if necessary.

The side effects of the Radiation Therapy

Although radiation therapy is painless and effective in treating cancer, it does have some side effects.

The most common side effects include:

• Fatigue: This is a very common side effect that disappears as soon as the radiation therapy ends.       
• Skin problems: The rays pass through the skin to reach the infected cells. That's why the skin can turn red, dry, or itchy with a noticeable color change.
• Hair loss: This is a temporary local loss that affects only the treated area. The hair will grow as soon as the treatment is over.
• Decreased blood cells: This condition may occur if the radiotherapy is accompanied by Chemotherapy.
• Nausea and intestinal or bladder problems.

Post-Radiotherapy follow-up: Protocols and monitoring measures

The team of radiation oncologists in Turkey monitors patients' progress and well-being after radiation treatment. In many cases, they adjust the dose or duration of radiation therapy to meet each patient's needs.

After completing radiation therapy, patients usually have regular follow-up appointments with their radiation oncologist to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and monitor for any potential complications.

During these visits, they may perform a physical exam, blood tests, or imaging tests at various times during treatment to assess the tumor's response to radiation therapy.

Your recovery during and after radiation therapy depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, the radiation dose, and your overall health. Some people can continue to work and do their usual activities during radiation therapy. Others may feel tired and need extra rest.

In addition to monitoring for recurrence, follow-up care after radiation therapy may include treatment for any lingering side effects or symptoms.

Following radiation therapy, patients may be referred for other complementary treatments. For example, some patients may need immunotherapy or chemotherapy to better target cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.