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The Radiotherapy Process

The cancer-treatment pathway with radiation — side effects and a patient guide.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is The Radiotherapy Process?

Radiotherapy is a treatment that uses high-energy ionising radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells and trigger cell death. It may be given with curative, adjuvant, neoadjuvant or palliative intent. External-beam radiotherapy is the most common approach; brachytherapy, in which the source is placed inside the body, is also used.

Modern techniques (IMRT, VMAT, SBRT/SABR, proton therapy) allow the dose to be shaped very precisely around the tumour and minimise the dose received by surrounding healthy tissue. Treatment planning uses CT-based simulation and 3D dosimetry.

Radiotherapy is usually delivered five days a week over several weeks. Each session is short (typically 15–30 minutes) and painless. Side effects vary with the area that is treated and usually improve in the weeks after treatment ends.

Symptoms

Skin reactions: redness, dryness and tenderness
Fatigue (cumulative effect)
Hair loss (only in the irradiated area)
Difficulty swallowing (with head-and-neck irradiation)
Diarrhoea or bladder irritation (with pelvic irradiation)
Lung irritation (with chest irradiation)
Transient bone-marrow suppression (with large fields)

Risk Factors

Location and size of the treated area
Total dose and number of fractions delivered
Concurrent chemotherapy
Previous radiotherapy exposure
Diabetes or connective-tissue disease (increases radiation sensitivity)
Advanced age and general health status
Smoking (increases the risk of lung toxicity)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When a skin reaction worsens markedly or the skin breaks
  • When fever and shortness of breath appear together (radiation pneumonitis)
  • With severe burning on urination or blood in the urine
  • When swallowing difficulty or pain becomes severe
  • Contact the radiation-oncology team about any unusual symptom during treatment

Treatment Methods

01
Skin care: moisturising creams and sun protection for the irradiated area
02
Pain management with analgesics and topical agents
03
Nutritional support, especially with head-and-neck and gastrointestinal irradiation
04
Anti-inflammatory drugs for radiation pneumonitis or proctitis
05
Hyperbaric oxygen for late complications such as radiation necrosis
06
Regular follow-up with oncology and radiation oncology

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.