Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. It is no longer the main treatment for ovarian cancer, but is considered by some doctors as an acceptable procedure for treating low-bulk, or stage III and IV cancers.
With external beam radiation, the radiation is focused from a machine on to the cancer. The treatment lasts just a few minutes, with only a very short exposure to radiation. It is given five days a week for a period of several weeks.
Patients who undergo radiation therapy may, given the sensitivity of the pelvis and the abdomen to radiation, experience changes in skin texture, as well as nausea, fatigue or diarrhea. The cancer care team should be able to prescribe remedies to provide relief.
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Reviewed by:
Jiade J. Lu, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Radiology (Radiation Oncology)
Medical Director
The Cancer Information Network
Date Modified: 06/14/04
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