Cobalt 60 radiation
Cobalt 60 radiation is a radioactive isotope primarily utilized in radiation therapy for various types of cancer, including breast, bladder, oral, and brain cancers. The primary purpose of using Cobalt 60 is to shrink or destroy tumors, as well as to eliminate any residual cancer cells following surgical procedures. Patients undergo careful preparation involving a collaborative effort between healthcare professionals to devise a tailored treatment plan that maximizes radiation exposure to the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Cobalt 60 can be administered externally through machines that direct radiation beams or internally via small capsules placed near the cancerous area. A specialized technique known as the Gamma Knife employs multiple beams of Cobalt 60 radiation for precise treatment of brain tumors. Post-treatment care generally depends on the specifics of the therapy, with some patients experiencing minimal aftercare unless significant side effects arise.
While Cobalt 60 is effective, it is not without risks, which can include fatigue, nausea, and skin reactions if the radiation is delivered externally. The success of treatment is assessed based on the specific goals, such as the absence of cancer recurrence or the size reduction of tumors. With a half-life of 5.27 years, Cobalt 60 remains a relevant tool in oncology, highlighting its importance in modern cancer treatment.
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Cobalt 60 radiation
DEFINITION: Cobalt 60 is a radioactive isotope that is used to provide radiation therapy during cancer treatment.
Cancers treated: Many cancers, including breast cancer, bladder cancer, oral cancers, and brain cancers
Why performed: Cobalt 60 radiation is used to shrink or destroy tumors or to kill residual cancer cells left after surgical removal of a tumor.
Patient preparation: Patient preparation will vary depending on the type of radiation therapy being administered and the type and location of the cancer. Before therapy begins, the doctor works with other members of the cancer care team to develop a plan that will provide the maximum dose of radiation to the tumor or cancerous area while creating as little harm as possible to healthy cells in the surrounding area.
Steps of the procedure: Cobalt 60 radiation is administered in many ways. One way is to use a machine to aim the radiation beam at the desired area from outside the body. Cobalt 60 can also be administered internally. Small capsules containing cobalt 60 can be inserted into the desired area to release radiation at close range. A device known as a Gamma Knife uses 201 separate, stationary beams of cobalt 60 radiation to treat cancers that occur in the brain. In this case, a head frame immobilizes the patient's head. The head is carefully scanned, and precise radiation doses are planned to maximize the treatment's effectiveness and minimize impact on surrounding tissues.
After the procedure: Aftercare varies depending on the type of therapy performed. For most uses of cobalt 60, no specific aftercare is required unless the patient experiences significant side effects. Cobalt 60 has the longest half-life of any radioactive isotope of cobalt at 5.27 years.
Risks: The risks of cobalt 60 radiation vary depending on the type of radiation treatment being done, the strength of the radiation dose, the length and frequency of treatment, and the area of the body being targeted. Side effects of cobalt 60 radiation can include fatigue and nausea. If the radiation is delivered from an external source, the patient may experience skin redness, tenderness, peeling, or discoloration. If the radiation is delivered internally, there may be soreness around the site of the delivery device(s).
Results: The way in which success is determined when cobalt 60 is administered depends on the goal of the treatment. If the goal was to eliminate residual cancer cells, such as after surgical tumor removal, then the treatment is usually considered a success if the cancer does not return for five or more years. If the goal of the procedure was to shrink or eliminate a tumor, then success is determined by the presence or absence and size of the tumor.
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