Is radiation treatment used to treat anything other than cancer?
If so, what?
Cancer - 2 Answers
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1 :
Radiation is used in the preperative regimen for a stem cell transplant (the correct name for a bone marrow transplant). And the transplant is used to treat cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, but can also be used to treat other blood or auto immune diseases that are not cancer. So that is one instance in a round about way that radiation would be used on someone who does not have cancer.
2 :
There are many instances where radiation is used to treat things other than cancer. As the above answer states radiation is used to break down a patient's immune system proir to a bone marrow transplant, ultimately that is because of cancer. Other non-cancer radiation treatments include: Keloid Scars: These are those big lumpy scars people can get following an injury or surgery, that often continue to grow after the wound has healed. The scar is surgically removed then the area is irradiated to prevent a scar reforming at the site. Mycosis Fungoides: This is another non-cancerous skin condition that appears as a blotchy red rash all over the body (not to dissimilar to port wine birth marks) that is treated by treating the patient's whole body to help destroy the growths. Any internet search should turn up some pretty graphic pictures of this condition. Over active Salivary glands: Radiation is also used to treat over active salivary glands that can be caused by a variety of other medical conditions. The radiation 'damages' part of the salivary gland leading to decreased function therefore less saliva. I'm sure there are a few others, but these are just ones of the top of my head. Hope that helps.
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Title : Is radiation treatment used to treat anything other than cancer
Description : Is radiation treatment used to treat anything other than cancer? If so, what? Cancer - 2 Answers Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opin...