Squamous esophageal cancer is a common cancer of the digestive tract, for which radiation is an important means. Radiation from squamous esophageal cancer** will be described in detail here.
1. Overview of radiation**.
Radiation** is the use of high-energy rays or particles to destroy the DNA of cancer cells, thereby killing cancer cells. For squamous esophageal cancer, radiation** can be delivered in two ways: external or internal irradiation. External irradiation is mainly irradiated with high-energy rays generated by equipment such as linear accelerators, while internal irradiation is directed to cancer cells by implanting radioactive particles into the esophagus.
2. Radiological strategy for squamous esophageal cancer.
1. Preoperative radiotherapy.
Preoperative radiotherapy refers to the radiation** that is given before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor, reduce the tumour stage, and thus improve the surgical resection rate and survival rate. For squamous esophageal cancer, preoperative radiotherapy is generally high-dose radiotherapy with a dose of 40 to 50 GY for 4 to 5 weeks. After the radiation therapy is over, the patient will need surgery to remove the tumor.
2. Postoperative radiotherapy.
Postoperative radiotherapy refers to radiation** that is given after surgery with the aim of destroying residual cancer cells and reducing the risk of metastasis. For squamous esophageal cancer, postoperative radiotherapy is generally conventional dose radiotherapy with a dose of 50 to 60 GY for 5 to 6 weeks. During radiotherapy, patients need to maintain good nutritional status and immune function to reduce the risk and complications of radiotherapy.
3. Palliative radiotherapy.
Palliative radiotherapy refers to the use of radiation to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with inoperable or ** squamous esophageal cancer. Palliative radiotherapy is generally low-dose radiotherapy with a dose of 20 to 30 GY for 2 to 3 weeks. During radiotherapy, patients need to maintain good nutritional status and immune function to reduce the risk and complications of radiotherapy.
3. Radiation and precautions for squamous esophageal cancer.
1. Radiation esophagitis.
Radiation esophagitis is one of the most common types of radiation, which is mainly manifested by symptoms such as painful swallowing, chest pain, nausea, and vomiting. To alleviate these symptoms, patients need to maintain oral hygiene and avoid irritating foods and drinks during radiotherapy.
2. Bone marrow suppression.
Radiation** may cause bone marrow suppression, which is manifested by a decrease in the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. To reduce the occurrence of myelosuppression, patients need to maintain good nutritional status and immune function during radiotherapy. December Creation Incentive Program