Teletherapy
Teletherapy (pronounced te-le-ther-a-py) is a form of radiation therapy where the radiation source is at a distance from the body. It is also known as external beam therapy.
Etymology
The term "teletherapy" is derived from the Greek word "tele," meaning "distance," and "therapy," meaning "treatment." Thus, teletherapy refers to treatment from a distance.
Definition
Teletherapy is a form of therapy that uses a machine to deliver radiation from outside the body, targeting the cancerous cells. This method allows for the treatment of tumors located deep within the body, as well as those on or near the surface. The radiation source is usually a linear accelerator, which generates high-energy x-rays or electrons.
Procedure
In teletherapy, the patient lies on a treatment table while the machine moves around them, delivering radiation from different angles. The treatment is painless and typically lasts only a few minutes, although the setup time - getting the patient into exactly the right position - can take longer.
Related Terms
- Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer. Teletherapy is a type of radiation therapy.
- Brachytherapy: A form of radiation therapy where the radiation source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment. It is the opposite of teletherapy.
- Linear accelerator: A machine that generates high-energy x-rays or electrons for the treatment of cancer.
- Tumor: An abnormal growth of cells that may be cancerous or noncancerous.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Teletherapy
- Wikipedia's article - Teletherapy
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