Referred to as radiation therapy in some jurisdictions, radiation oncology is used in the treatment of malignant tumor. It is also used in the management of tumor that cannot be cured. Radiation oncology is usually undertaken as the first line of treating malignant tumor and may be used along with other treatment options such as surgery and chemotherapy.
Radiation oncology is undertaken by professionally trained radiation oncologists. Before they undertake radiation oncology, they consider various factors including the type of tumor, location of the tumor, stage of the tumor and health of a tumor patient.
Radiation Oncology Training
Different jurisdictions have set minimum number of years that one can undertake radiation oncology training. In most jurisdictions however, the minimum number of years is four years of residential training. Upon successfully completing the necessary training, would-be radiation oncologists are obligated to undertake internship for a determined period.
To be admitted for radiation oncology training, one is required to have a minimum of basic medical degree with some years of practical experience. Radiation oncology training covers different types of tumor. Would-be radiation oncologists are exposed to safe procedures necessary for using applying radiation on/in head and neck, breast, intestines, genitourinary tract, central nervous system and lungs.
Mechanism of Radiation Oncology
Radiation oncology is applied to damage the DNA of malignant cells to stop their growth. Damage to the cells’ DNA is through ionization of the atoms that make up the cells’ DNA chain. Damage to cells’ DNA eventually leads to the death of malignant cells. The amount of radiation applied on a tumor varies and depends on type and state of tumor.
Types of Radiation Oncology
Various types of radiation oncology are used in the treatment of tumors. These include teleoncology, external beam oncology, brachyoncology and radioisotope amongst other types. The types of radiation oncology are differently applied, depending on source of radiation.
Radiation Oncology Side Effects
Low radiation levels are almost painless and may or may nor have any side effects. Any pain can simply be managed by use of common painkillers. High radiation levels cause varied side effects. These are both short and long-term side effects. The extent of side effects however depends on the location of tumor.
Although minor radiation oncology side effects are usually concentrated around treatment area, serious side effects do affect other parts of the body, depending on the affected area and connected body organs. Side effects that appear in later stage after treatment include hair loss, fibrosis, heart ailments and cognitive decline amongst others.
Research On Radiation Oncology
A number of researches are currently on course in different medical research institutions. Spearheaded by various research organizations, these research activities are undertaken by professional radiation oncologists.
Conducting research in the medical field is definitely very expensive. It requires input of huge resources and research institutions, drug manufacturers and other organizations have played a vital role in providing the necessary research funds. These organizations have also developed scholarship programs to enable the training of many radiation oncologists as possible.
