Radiotherapy

Anne Orchard — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:54:12 +0000

Radiotherapy is the use of radiation (in the form of x-rays or electrons) to treat an illness, usually cancer. It can be used to shrink or destroy a tumour, or as a backup to surgery in order to lessen the likelihood of the cancer spreading. Radiotherapy is sometimes given from outside the body, and in other cases it is given internally.

Reconstructive Surgery (Reconstruction)

Anne Orchard — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:55:28 +0000

Reconstructive surgery after cancer is surgery which aims to lessen the effect of removal of the tumour. The most well known example is reconstructive surgery after breast cancer, where muscle from other parts of the body is used to create a new breast after a mastectomy, or where surgery may be used to ‘even up’ the breasts after a lumpectomy (lump surgery). Breast reconstruction can be very important psychologically, helping a woman to feel better about her body after cancer. Reconstructive surgery is also used after other cancers; particularly cancers involving the head or neck, where surgery may have affected the way the person looks. Reconstructive surgery is sometimes carried out at the same time the tumour is removed, and at other times it is done at a later date, once other treatments are completed.

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Radiotherapy

Reconstructive Surgery (Reconstruction)

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