Thursday, June 7, 2012

CyberKnife Is The New Cure For Colon Cancer

By Melody Klein


Radiation has been an established effective treatment for malignant diseases, including colon cancer. There had been many developments in the recent years to improve the efficiency of the procedure, the safety of the patients and the reduction of side-effects. One example is the innovation of Denver CyberKnife treatments.

There are special machines that the surgeon use to target specific regions from various directions. This is done to focus the beam on the affected tissues and reduce the amount of radiation in its surrounding area. This cuts down the side-effects of the operation.

While the process is still a surgery, it does not include an open wound. The operation is done in a noninvasive process so it is safer, less painful and quicker. This also helps the patients recover fast. The patients do not have to stay in their hospital beds for the post-surgery care anymore. They may just enjoy the comforts of their home as they recover from the surgery.

There are three basic types of radio surgery to choose from. Each of them has its own pros and cons. It is important that the patient discusses his options with the attending surgeon. One must understand the benefits and risks associated with the type of treatment he is about to undergo.

The first innovation was using the gamma rays. It was aptly called the gamma knife system. Unfortunately, this may be specifically used for the head part only. This may not be used in the other parts of one's body. The process is quite long as well even for just one session.

The linear accelerators were created later on. This is more resilient and may be used in every part of the body. It was also using the gamma rays, though. The process were refined to make up the shortcomings of the former type.

Lastly, the Denver Cyberknife was introduced. Unlike the first two types, this does not use the gamma rays. With this, the physician may track the tumor real-time. This uses the imaging technology to locate and see the tumor. Hence, the physician gains better control for a more effective and less risky surgery.




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