Endometrial Cancer

Home » Endometrial Cancer » Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy

Radiation uses high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. This treatment may be used prior to surgery (called neoadjuvant therapy) or after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells. Radiation also may be used in patients who are unable to undergo surgery.

External beam radiation is an outpatient treatment delivered by a machine outside the body. This treatment usually is administered 5 days a week for several weeks. Most patients refrain from sexual intercourse during and for several weeks following radiation therapy because contact with the genitals and vagina may be painful.

Internal beam radiation may be administered for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. In this procedure, which is usually performed in the radiation department of a hospital, a special applicator is used to insert pellets of radioactive material into the upper vagina. In some cases, both external and internal radiation therapies are used.

Side effects of radiation include the following:

• Diarrhea
• Dryness, itching, tightening, and burning in the skin of the vagina
• Fatigue
• Frequent, painful urination
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Loss of appetite

Endometrial Cancer, Radiation Therapy reprinted with permission from oncologychannel.com
© 1998-2009 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Endometrial Cancer Resources

	Join Our Endometrial Cancer Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer