What it means
Radiation damages the DNA of cells, and cancer cells repair it less well than normal cells. External beam radiation is aimed at the tumor from a machine, usually in short daily sessions over several weeks; the client is not radioactive afterward. Internal radiation (brachytherapy) places a radioactive source in or near the tumor for a time. Side effects depend on the area treated and include tiredness and skin redness or peeling at the site.
For the nurse
Teach skin care for external radiation: do not wash off the marks, use mild soap and lukewarm water, avoid sun, heat and tight clothes on the area, and use only creams the team approves. For a client with an internal source, limit time near the client, keep distance and use shielding as the facility directs; pregnant staff and visitors and children stay away.
At a glance
| Spanish | radioterapia |
|---|---|
| Also written | radiation-therapy, radiotherapy, radiation treatment |
Related terms
metastasis
The spread of cancer cells from where the cancer started to other parts of the body.
lymphoma
A cancer of lymphocytes, the white blood cells of the lymph system.
carcin/o
A word part that means cancer.
adjuvant
Added to a main treatment to help it work better; also a substance added to a vaccine to strengthen the immune response.