3-dimensional conformal
radiation therapy is an advanced type of electron
beam radiation therapy which is used a prostate
cancer treatment. Radiation therapy works by aiming
an external beam of radiation at the prostate gland
while trying to minimize the exposure of healthy tissue
in the surrounding organs. 3D conformal radiation therapy
immobilizes the patient in a bed of Styrofoam that is
customized for his body. A computer generates a precise
image of his internal organs. The radiation oncologist
then aims waves of photons generated by a linear accelerator
at the image to irradiate the malignant area. The waves
are formed exactly to the shape of the treated so the
surrounding healthy tissue is spared being damaged by
radiation. Patients undergoing external radiation therapy
for the treatment of prostate cancer will receive 5
treatments each week from Monday to Friday for 5 to
9 weeks. Patients do not undergo treatment on the weekends.
Taking two days off will give the healthy organs which
will suffer some inadvertent radiation damage time to
recover.
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