x-rays and gamma rays emitted from some radioisotopes chemically change DNA,especially in cells engaged in DNA replication.high-level exposure can result in radiation poisoning.hair loss and damage to the lining of the stomach and intestines are early symptoms.speculate why.also speculate on why highly focused radiation therapy is used against some cancers.
2007-12-08 17:33:18 · 3 answers · asked by bianca 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
As it is known that radiation (x-rays and gamma rays) can affect replicative cells, cancer cells are known to be susceptible to radiation. Hence we use radiation to kill cancer cells as Radiotherapy.
As you mention, other cells that replicate (stomach lining, hair, skin, intestines) can be affected also.
Hence Radiotherapy is optimally focussed on the cancer cells.
It is virtually impossible to irradiate cancer cells with x-rays and gamma rays without exposing SOME other parts of the body to the dose.
The ways to minimise other tissues being affected are to use the following techniques:
Minimal dose
- use the smallest dose of radiation that will have the desired effect on the cancer cells (and hopefully not much effect on healthy tissue)
Collimation
-make the beam narrow and only irradiate the cancer if possible - prevent scatter of radiation which can affect other tissues
Multiple beams
- With the advent of CT scanning the aiming of multiple low dose beams through the body at different angles which all converge on the cancer is now a newish technology that allows the dose to the healthy tissue to be much less.
For instance - if you were to use 10 beams all from different angles at one TENTH the radiation ... which all converged on the cancer ... then the healthy tissue gets 10% of the radiation dose, but the cancer gets 100% of the dose.
2007-12-08 17:38:03 · answer #1 · answered by Orinoco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
radiation is like burning a ant with a magnifying glass, it has no order when is unleashed. it not only kills the cancer cells but also white blood cells and is fatal to the immune system that has nk cells which are also destroyed. my sister in law used transfer factors before cemo. she didn't get as sick. 12 daily before the cemo and after vomiting feeling goes away. buy on-line. it boost immune system 437% kills 99% cancer cells. good luck.
2007-12-11 19:34:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No thanks.
2007-12-09 02:34:44 · answer #3 · answered by Einsteinetta 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋