Childhood Cancer
Chapter 17: Radiation Therapy
RADIATION THERAPY IS ONE of the oldest and most effective therapies for many children with solid tumors. It can be used to shrink a tumor, delay tumor growth, prevent a tumor from returning, or treat symptoms associated with tumor growth, such as pain.
Radiation therapy can cause acute (short-term) side effects and permanent damage that may not be evident until months or years after treatment. The younger the child when treated, the greater the risk for side effects from radiation. For this reason, radiation treatment is sometimes avoided or postponed for very young children, and the benefits and risks of treatment with radiation must be carefully weighed by both doctors and parents.
This chapter explains what radiation is, when and how it is used, and its potential side effects. It clearly explains what you and your child can expect from radiation treatment.
Table of Contents
All Guides- Introduction
- 1. Diagnosis
- 2. Bone Sarcomas
- 3. Liver Cancers
- 4. Neuroblastoma
- 5. Retinoblastoma
- 6. Soft Tissue Sarcomas
- 7. Kidney Tumors
- 8. Telling Your Child and Others
- 9. Choosing a Treatment
- 10. Coping with Procedures
- 11. Forming a Partnership with the Medical Team
- 12. Hospitalization
- 13. Venous Catheters
- 14. Surgery
- 15. Chemotherapy
- 16. Common Side Effects of Treatment
- 17. Radiation Therapy
- 18. Stem Cell Transplantation
- 19. Siblings
- 20. Family and Friends
- 21. Communication and Behavior
- 22. School
- 23. Sources of Support
- 24. Nutrition
- 25. Medical and Financial Record-keeping
- 26. End of Treatment and Beyond
- 27. Recurrence
- 28. Death and Bereavement
- Appendix A. Blood Tests and What They Mean
- Appendix B. Resource Organizations
- Appendix C. Books, Websites, and Support Groups