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Differences between Radiation and Chemo

Nov

19

2011

Differences between Radiation and Chemo

In: Chemistry Asked By: daniel [554 Orange Star Level]
Answer #1

Many people throughout the world are affected by cancer. Fortunately, there are some effective treatment options that you can use to help slow the advance of cancer and assist cure it as well. Radiation and chemotherapy are the treatment options used for tackling this dreadful disease.
1. Mode of administration
Radiation is administered both externally and internally. In contrast, chemo can be intravenously or orally administered. The external application of radiation is more effective since it has the capability of locating the specific affected region and then targets the necessary treatment there. However, chemo is not very effective like radiation since it cannot target a specific region of the body.
2. Mode of action
Radiation targets the dangerous cancer cells and uses a form of energy to destroy these cells. It also reduces the size of tumors. This kind of treatment is also known as irradiation and radiotherapy. In contrast, chemo uses the bloodstream so as to kill the cancer causing cells. The trouble is that the action of chemo is not limited to the cancer cells. Since this kind of therapy cannot isolate the cancer cells, it normally ends up damaging the good cells as well.
3. Side effects
Both radiation and also chemo have a negative effect on the patient’s body. It is thereby normal to experience side effects such as infertility and nausea following chemotherapy. Radiation causes extra symptoms like inflammation and pain in the intestine and the esophagus as well.
4. Kinds of cancer
Radiation is meant for targeting solid tumors, which includes those present in the spine, cervix and skin. It can also be utilized when treating breast cancers. In contrast, chemo is used for dealing with certain cancers such as multiple myeloma, leukemia and lymphoma.
Whichever therapy you choose to undertake, do consult your physician for better quality results.

Answers Answered By: daniel [554 Orange Star Level]
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