13. Radiotherapy in treatment of cancer of nasopharynx
Covers radiotherapy for skin cancer, set against the other standard treatments for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. It lists the treatment options, then explains when radiation is chosen, such as large tumours, awkward sites or patients who cannot tolerate surgery, and its use after surgery. It closes with electron beam delivery and the typical side effects.
Inside: 1 section · 11 flashcards · 1 min
Topic 28 of 50 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Nuclear Medicine (Medicine, Year 4). The free AceMed note covers it in 1 section, about 137 words (1 min of reading), with 11 flashcards.
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Radiotherapy in treatment of skin cancer
Radiotherapy in treatment of skin cancer
Different treatments for BCC, SCC and melanoma, eight standard types;
Surgery (simple excision of the tumor with some normal tissue)
Radiation therapy
External radiation therapy or brachytherapy
Tend to treat BCC and SCC
Chemotherapy
Photodynamic therapy
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapy
Chemical peel
Other drug therapy
Radiation is done if the tumor is very large or on an area of the skin that makes it hard to remove with surgery, it is also helpful where the patient cannot tolerate surgery. Radiation is also useful when combined as an adjuvant treatment to kill cancer cells post surgery.
Radiation is generally given as electron beam radiation that does not go deeper than the skin, each treatment goes on a few minutes.
Side effects include skin irritation, changes in skin colour, hair loss and damage to salivary glands if they are nearby.
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