Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The source of the radiation may come from either:
External radiation therapy, in which a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) generates x-rays or gamma rays to which the patient is exposed
Implant radiation therapy, in which radiation-producing materials (radioisotopes) contained in thin plastic tubes are surgically placed into the area where the cancer cells are found
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