What is cobalt therapy?
The form of cancer treatment known as cobalt therapy focuses on malignant cells without destroying healthy tissue around. Cobalt therapy, which is also called radiosurgery, focuses on gamma rays on cancer cells, usually in the brain, neck or near vital blood vessels. These rays attack cancer from several directions when cobalt ions deteriorate. Healthy cells damaged by cobalt therapy are usually regenerated and returned to normal.
Cobalt-60 is an isotope of metal discovered in the age of 30. This discovery led to the invention of a cobalt machine to supply gamma beams to cancer patients. One of the most common machines is known as a gamma knife, a stationary machine capable of supplying radiation to precise head areas. The device sends more than 200 Kobaltu-60 sources to attack on the brain tumor. During the PR, the patient remains quite still how radiation focuses on the tumor. A machine with a gamma knife can treat the re -elaboration of brain tumors and be used in conjunction with surgery.
Some oncologists prefer a newer machine called a linear accelerator to provide cobalt therapy. These moving devices usually focus on larger tumors by focusing higher doses of radiation than gamma knife. A computer -controlled linear accelerator can be moved to emit tumors from different angles for weeks or months. This machine can be switched off when it is not used, unlike cobalt machines, which are often maintained in special rooms to prevent accidental radiation.
It represents a by -product of nickel and copper mining and metal naturally appears in rocks and dirt. Cobalt compounds give the ceramic glass a dark blue color and provide rich shades of glaze. After being identified by the Cobalt-60 isotop, it became valuable as alloy because it resists corrosion and adds strength to other metals. This form of cobalt is used in the jewelry, for parts of leTadel and in the production of medical devices intended for human implantation.
radiation therapy treats many forms of cancer, including tumors in the lungs, bladder, pancreas and liver. It may also prove to be effective for leukemia and other blood cancer. This treatment can be used with chemotherapy, which supplies chemicals throughout the body and traditional surgery. Doctors usually choose cobalt therapy when invasive surgery can damage the nerves around or vital artery.
The side effects of radiation treatment may include nausea and vomiting, especially if the gamma rays focus on the abdominal area. Some patients suffer from skin burning, where radiation enters the body, similar to severe burning. There may also be fatigue, usually occurs several weeks after starting treatment.