Radiotherapy: A Therapeutic Analysis

Radiation is defined as emission of energy in the form of x rays and gamma rays. It is transmitted from one place to another. Ionizing radiation is high energy waves that pass the body's tissue, that produces positive and negative charged particles. These high energy waves remove electrons from atoms and cause an interaction between the x rays and the patient. This process is referred to as ionizing radiation. The amount of energy acquired from ionizing radiation is absorbed into the patients tissues. The interaction between the x rays and the tissue can cause damage to the body. Although radiation is known to be harmful to our bodies, it can also be helpful during certain circumstances. Radiation therapy is used to kill cancerous cells found in our body. The law of Bergonie and Tribondeau states that mitotic cells are more sensitive to radiation (Sherer, Visconti, Ritenour, Haynes, & Statkiewicz-Sherer, 2013). Due to the fact that dividing cells are more susceptible to irradiation, it causes malignant cells and tumors to be annihilated. …show more content…
The cancer cells are destroyed by damaging its DNA structure. Damaging the DNA can result from direct or indirect action. Direct action is when energy directly hit something and causes an effect. Whereas, indirect action strikes water molecules, creating free radicals that create damage. Both direct and indirect action can cause cell death. At times, cancerous cells are so advances that they are unable to be destroyed. Radiation may also be used to shrink the tumor, stop the tumor from growing, or to alleviate the side effects. Tumors are capable of growing to other parts of the body, which can be disruptive to the area and cause pain to the