Critically discuss how knowledge of the chronic radiation induced long Essay - 1

Critically discuss how knowledge of the chronic radiation induced long term side effects have impacted on current treatment practices - Essay Example Wallace and Lorrie (2002) observe that fatigue is the most common and severe of all side effects of radiotherapy. Side effects caused because of radiotherapy are so dangerous that some result in serious permanent disabilities, death, or even some short-term side effects to the cancer infected patients who are undergoing radiation. Patients can evade this menace if doctors or radiologists take careful precautions. However, these prevention methods depend on the type of cancer that one is suffering from. It is worth noting that the intensity of side effects of radiotherapy treatment depends on which target tissues the treatment is being directed. The side effects may be minimal according to the type of tissue receiving the treatment. This paper explores the techniques of treating cancer, their side effects and the modifications in place to reduce the impacts on patients in future. The research paper will focus on fatigue, as the most serious side effect in treatment of cancer. Fatigue is the most serious side effect caused by radiotherapy. It is common among patients suffering from cancer, undergoing radiotherapy. This is an observation made by Wallace and Lorrie (2002) in their research. Fatigue has, among many, the following symptoms: loss of energy, being weak, problem of thoughts and being too moody. Fatigue comes because of the following techniques of radiotherapy during prostate cancer treatment. During radiotherapy, most of the cells usually die. This causes destruction of blood vessels around the tumors. This interferes with transport of blood into the tissues. Inadequate oxygen in cells lowers rate of respiration hence low energy quantities in the body. Discussed below are improved radiotherapy techniqu es, aimed to reduce the said fatigue. 3D conformal radiotherapy uses computer technology and radioisotope to concentrate the high radiation dose to the tumors while deterring the