Radiotherapy (Edexcel GCSE Physics): Flashcards
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Radiotherapy definition
Radiotherapy definition
Using radiation to kill cancer cells
Two types of radiotherapy
Two types of radiotherapy
Internal radiation therapy & external radiation therapy
Goal of radiotherapy
Goal of radiotherapy
Damage cancer cells while limiting harm to healthy cells
Internal radiation therapy
Internal radiation therapy
Radioactive material placed inside body, in/near tumour
Alpha radiation ionising property
Alpha radiation ionising property
Strongly ionising, does a lot of damage to tumour cells
Range of alpha particles
Range of alpha particles
Short range, only affect nearby tissue
Benefit of alpha emitters
Benefit of alpha emitters
Short range limits damage to healthy cells around tumour
Beta emitters placement
Beta emitters placement
In implants inside or next to tumour
Beta particles range vs alpha
Beta particles range vs alpha
Travel further than alpha particles
Why beta emitters are useful
Why beta emitters are useful
Can penetrate through casing of implant
External therapy radiation type
External therapy radiation type
Gamma rays
Why use gamma rays externally?
Why use gamma rays externally?
Penetrate deep into body, reach hard-to-reach tumours
Unavoidable aspect of external therapy
Unavoidable aspect of external therapy
Some harm to surrounding tissues
Protecting healthy areas
Protecting healthy areas
Shielding placed on body parts
How operators are protected
How operators are protected
Shielding in machines & designated room minimises exposure