Surface Radiotherapy is a type of radiation therapy that involves targeting the outer layer of the skin or mucous membranes. The word "radiotherapy" is pronounced /ˌreɪdiəʊˈθerəpi/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The stress falls on the third syllable, "thera." The word "surface" is pronounced /ˈsɜːfɪs/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The stress falls on the first syllable, "surf." Together, the two words form a compound with the stress falling on the first syllable of the first word, resulting in /ˈsɜːfɪs ˌreɪdiəʊˈθerəpi/.
Surface radiotherapy, also known as superficial radiotherapy, refers to a medical procedure that involves the use of high-energy radiation to treat various types of skin cancers and benign skin conditions. This form of therapy is considered non-invasive and aims to target and destroy cancerous cells or abnormal growths on the skin's surface.
During surface radiotherapy, a machine called a superficial X-ray therapy unit is utilized. This machine emits low-energy X-ray beams that penetrate only a few millimeters beneath the skin's surface, concentrating the radiation dose on the affected area. The treatment is typically administered over a number of sessions, with each session lasting only a few minutes. The overall treatment duration can vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the patient's individual needs.
This type of radiotherapy is highly effective in treating non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as certain benign conditions like keloids and dermatofibromas. Surface radiotherapy is often recommended for cases where surgical intervention might not be suitable or desired, such as for elderly patients or those with multiple lesions that require treatment.
While surface radiotherapy is generally well-tolerated, patients may experience mild side effects such as skin irritation, redness, or temporary changes in skin color. These effects are typically temporary and resolve on their own after completion of the treatment.
In summary, surface radiotherapy is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses low-energy X-rays to treat certain types of skin cancers and benign skin conditions. It is an effective alternative to surgical treatments and is particularly suitable for patients who have multiple lesions or those for whom surgery may not be appropriate.
The word "surface radiotherapy" is composed of two main components: "surface" and "radiotherapy".
1. Surface: This word comes from the Latin word "superficies", meaning "outermost part" or "to stand above". In English, "surface" refers to the topmost layer or exterior part of an object or space.
2. Radiotherapy: This term combines two elements: "radio-" and "-therapy".
- "Radio-" originates from the Latin word "radius", which means "ray" or "beam". In the context of radiotherapy, it refers to the use of ionizing radiation.
- "-Therapy" comes from the Greek word "therapeia", meaning "healing" or "treatment". It denotes the application of specific techniques or interventions to treat a particular condition.