Guide To Treating Bile Duct Cancer

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses the energy from x-rays and protons to eradicate cancerous cells. Patients may have radiation done at a hospital, at a specialist's office or a radiology center. Radiation may be delivered using a method known as external beam radiation. For this procedure, the patient lies on a bed while a machine directs radiation beams at specific areas of the body. External beam radiation is painless and very similar to having an x-ray or CT scan. Patients using this form of therapy typically have sessions five days a week for numerous consecutive weeks. Some patients may also receive brachytherapy. This form of radiation involves placing radioactive seeds inside the body at or near where the cancer is located. The seeds are delivered with a catheter. Some of the most common side effects of radiation treatment generally include peeling, blistering, or redness of the skin, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage, and low blood counts. Hair loss may also occur on the skin of the treated area.

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