Half body irradiations refer to a medical procedure in which only half of the body is exposed to ionizing radiation for therapeutic purposes. This technique is commonly employed in the treatment of certain types of cancer, particularly when the disease is localized or when the tumor is confined to one side of the body.
During a half body irradiation procedure, a carefully calibrated dose of radiation is administered to the affected side of the body using specialized machinery. This can involve the use of external beam radiation therapy or brachytherapy, depending on the specific case. The goal of half body irradiations is to target and destroy cancerous cells, thereby halting the progression of the disease or even achieving remission.
Before undergoing the procedure, patients typically undergo various diagnostic tests and imaging studies to determine the exact extent and location of their cancer. This information is then used to plan the precise dosage and positioning of the radiation beams. The treatment itself is usually delivered in multiple sessions over a period of several weeks, allowing the patient's healthy cells to recover between treatments.
As with any radiation therapy, half body irradiations can have potential side effects, such as skin redness, fatigue, and nausea. However, advances in medical technology have greatly improved the accuracy and precision of radiation delivery, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Overall, half body irradiations are an important therapeutic option for certain types of cancer and can significantly improve patient outcomes when used in conjunction with other treatment modalities.
