Eli5 How does radiation therapy actually work? Like how doesnt it break down more of the body and make the cancer worse or something like that? And does it target only cancer area or everything?

Question

Eli5 How does radiation therapy actually work? Like how doesnt it break down more of the body and make the cancer worse or something like that? And does it target only cancer area or everything?

In: 630

Answer 1

I’ve always thought of radiation therapy… and harmful radiation in general…as billiard balls (size depends on the type of radiation) hitting the important parts of the cell such that it can’t live anymore. I think radiation therapy is indiscriminate when it comes to cancerous or healthy cells. That’s why it’s targeted to specific areas.

That’s also why I have a very healthy respect for harmful radiation…. you’re getting ripped to shreds on a cellular level and you don’t feel it while it’s happening…I imagine.