Jakarta (ANTARA) – Persahabatan Hospital Radiation Oncology Specialist Dr Yuki Andrianto explained the difference between internal and external radiotherapy in a broadcast entitled “What You Need to Know About Radiotherapy” which was broadcast on the official Instagram account of the Ministry of Health in Jakarta, Tuesday.
Yuki explained that external radiotherapy or radiation therapy uses a device called LINAC, or linear accelerator.
LINAC, he said, is directed directly at a certain distance to the area where the cancer cells are located.
“For example, the breast in the surgical area, or for example there is a breast mass, or for example cervical cancer in the pelvic area where the cervix is located,” he said.
Meanwhile, internal radiation, he said, is called brachytherapy.
He explained that in this type of radiotherapy, the radiation source is close to the cancerous mass.
“So, for example, we insert a special tool or applicator for, for example, cervical cancer. We give a special applicator, then we apply radiation to the tool,” he said.
Yuki said that the light given through internal radiotherapy has a higher dose than external radiotherapy.
He said, before giving radiotherapy, there needs to be a consultation first.
Then, he said, it is necessary to determine whether there are indications or not, followed by an examination, then a special examination if carrying out internal radiation, for example in cases of cervical cancer.
“For example, if external radiotherapy requires complete hematology, there may be a CT scan or MRN examination if necessary, but the main thing is complete hematology, that is to say, complete blood examination.” he said.
Meanwhile, for internal radiotherapy, a more complete examination is required, such as examination of kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, blood sugar, as well as consultation regarding heart health, internal medicine, or lung disease.
This, he said, was to ensure that spinal anesthesia, namely anesthesia injected below the waist, was possible to carry out internal radiotherapy.
“But for example, brahcytherapy or internal rays do not require anesthesia, just a complete lab examination is enough. So there are some that do need anesthesia, some don’t. So it depends on what type of internal rays,” he said.
2024-02-06 11:27:05
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