“How does radiation therapy work on cancer?”
My son has had a brain tumor that was cancerous, but recently, doctors told us that his tumor is now benign and a lot smaller than it was. They now believe that it's safe to remove it. The doctors used radiation therapy to treat it, but I would like to know how exactly did it work for his cancer? And also, could there be any complications with his tumor removal?
7 Answers
It kills cancer and shrinks the tumor. There is some risks when patient has surgery including bleeding , infection and damage to normal brain tissue or nerves
It is good news that your son's brain tumor responded to radiation therapy, which works by targeting and killing the tumor cells. It is now safer to do the surgery, and you should speak with the Neurosurgeon who will remove the tumor to discuss the potential complications, which depend on where the tumor is.
Radiation affects the DNA of the cells that are growing. The treatment can change the behavior of tumors especially if they are fast growing. The complications from radiation are often delayed and I am sure that they were discussed with you.
In general, radiation works by killing cancerous cells that are dividing more actively than normal cells. However, this is an area of high special is a shin and you should best direct this question to the radiation oncologist
Radiation treatment has several effects. It damages DNA in tumors cells preventing them from being able to multiply, which is how tumors grow. It also tends to effect blood vessels supplying blood to tumors and limit their blood flow. In some malignant tumors, it may actually kill them. In most benign tumors it tends to keep them stable or maybe shrink a bit but not kill them. Any operation has risk of complications. The risk with a brain tumor is related to the size and location of the tumor, what delicate structures surround it, and on the skill and track record of the surgeon.
Shaun McKenzie
Surgical Oncologist
Radiation works by killing growing cancer cells. As opposed to chemotherapy, it can be aimed at specific areas of the body while sparing.
Sorry about your son’s diagnosis.
Radiation is often used first for some cancers to shrink the tumor. It works by using X-ray beams to kill cancer cells. Once radiation is done, surgery may be needed to remove residual tissue that may still contain cancer cells.
I can’t comment on the safety of removal as I am not your sons treating physician. They should be able to answer that for you. But if the tumor is in a place that is accessible, then it should be okay.
They will go over risks and possible complications with you prior to surgery.
I wish your son the best.
Radiation is often used first for some cancers to shrink the tumor. It works by using X-ray beams to kill cancer cells. Once radiation is done, surgery may be needed to remove residual tissue that may still contain cancer cells.
I can’t comment on the safety of removal as I am not your sons treating physician. They should be able to answer that for you. But if the tumor is in a place that is accessible, then it should be okay.
They will go over risks and possible complications with you prior to surgery.
I wish your son the best.
