How Doctors Use Gamma Radiation to Treat Cancer

Discover how gamma radiation is utilized by doctors to target and destroy cancer cells effectively.

270 views

Gamma radiation is used by doctors to destroy cancer cells and tumors. This method, known as radiation therapy, targets malignant cells with high-energy gamma rays, disrupting their DNA and preventing their growth and division. It's particularly effective for treating localized cancers in areas such as the brain, prostate, and breast. While gamma radiation can impact surrounding healthy cells, advanced techniques and precise targeting minimize this risk, improving patient outcomes.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What types of cancer can gamma radiation effectively treat? Gamma radiation is particularly effective for localized cancers like those in the brain, prostate, and breast.
  2. How does radiation therapy minimize damage to healthy cells? Advanced radiation therapy techniques focus on precise targeting to minimize exposure to surrounding healthy cells.
  3. What are the side effects of gamma radiation therapy? Common side effects may include fatigue, skin reactions, and localized pain, but these vary based on treatment area.
  4. Is gamma radiation treatment painful? Gamma radiation therapy is generally painless, though some patients may experience discomfort associated with the treatment area.