What Are The Side Effects Of Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy is a method of treatment often used in cancer patients. External beam radiation uses high energy beams of x-rays, protons, or other particle types to damage the DNA inside of cancerous cells. This process ensures the malignant cells are unable to live, grow, and divide into more malignant cells. Another type of radiation therapy where the radioactive substance is placed inside of the body is referred to as brachytherapy. Radiation therapy can be used alone, before surgery to shrink the tumor, after surgery to ensure malignant cell clearance, as a palliative measure, or in combination with treatments like chemotherapy.