Delivering Radiation Therapy To Patients

Most often radiation therapy is given in small doses throughout several weeks through an outpatient facility. This is especially true of external beam radiation therapy given with the use of a linear accelerator. Most often radiation will only be administered once a day but occasionally can be given twice daily if recommended.

For most patients receiving radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatment external beam radiation therapy will be given once daily using a <a href="http://www.acceletronics.com">linear accelerator</a>. The treatment is delivered in this manner because a once daily treatment plan helps to minimize the amount of damage that is done to the healthy tissue and normal cells surrounding the cancerous tumors and cells. Also the likelihood of exposing radiation to cancerous cells during the cell cycle when they are most susceptible to DNA damage increases.

Three other methods in which to distribute radiation have been tested including:

Hypo-fractionation: In order to reduce the number of treatments needed, hypo-fractionation is given in larger doses either once a day or less.

Hyper-fractionation: It is the opposite of hypo-fractionation; smaller doses are given throughout multiple treatments a day.

Accelerated Fractionation: In order to reduce the number of weeks treatment is needed, accelerated fractionation allows treatment to be given in larger doses on a daily or weekly basis.

The hope is to find different options that make receiving treatment more convenient to patients without sacrificing the effectiveness of the therapy.

Patients most often receive radiation therapy before, during or after surgery. In some patients therapy is given using <a href="http://www.acceletronics.com">linear accelerators</a> only without other treatments or surgery while others receive chemotherapy and radiation therapy without surgery. This will vary due to a number of factors. The exact point at which radiation is delivered alone or with other cancer treatment methods mainly depends on the patient's goals and specific type of cancer that is being treated.

When radiation therapy is given before a patient has surgery is done in hopes to shrink the tumor. This makes it simpler for surgeons to remove the entire tumor decreasing the likelihood it will return after the surgery is complete. Radiation that is given during surgery is known as IORT, inter-operative radiation therapy. During surgery radiation is given when normal structures are too close to the cancerous tumor and external-beam radiation would damage the nearby normal tissues. After surgery radiation is known as post-operative therapy. Post-operative radiation therapy is given during complicated surgeries to regions such as the abdomen and pelvis.

Deciphering Antique Cane Condition Descriptions

Vintage cane prices vary significantly depending on a number of aspects. Antique cane prices differ due to the condition of the cane, the canes materials and the age of the cane. When you are purchasing a classic cane it is important inspect these three things before committing to purchase an antique cane for your collection.

Definitions of Cane Conditions

New Cane Conditions

<a href="http://www.antiquecaneworld.com">Antique canes</a> listed as a cane in new condition means that the cane itself has never been used. The cane is in perfect condition and should show absolutely no signs of deterioration. Yellowing or discoloration is not uncommon when certain materials are used in the construction of a cane. It is also important to make note that a cane that is antique may be fragile because of the overall age of the cane.

Like New or Mint Cane Conditions

<a href="http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/">Vintage canes </a>that are listed in like new or mint condition may have been used at some point but show very little signs of wear. Overall, most of the canes original components are in place in canes listed in like new or mint condition. Caps and tips may not be the original ones that the cane came with but the overall appearance of the cane should be restored to their original appearance.

Used Cane Conditions

Used is vague when involving antique canes especially with sellers that have little experience with vintage items. In order to determine a fair market value for a cane listed in used condition should be heavily inspected by the individual looking to purchase it. Examine the vintage canes condition in order to allow a value to be placed on the piece. Consider the material that the cane is created from as well as the canes age and used condition before settling on a solid price to pay for a cane in this condition.

Good Cane Conditions: A vintage cane in good condition is one that is still fully functions. It will show normal signs of wear and deterioration. Original components will make up most of the cane but it is important to note that a replacement handle, cap or tip may be in place. If you are purchasing antique canes based upon the originality of the pieces handle a cane that's handle has been replaced is probably not the best option to add to your collection.

Poor Cane Conditions: Antique cane conditions that are listed in poor shape will often show incredible amounts of wear and tear. In order to publically use these canes users will want to restore them. Poor condition canes are hardly ever purchased to add to a true collector's collection.

For Salvage Canes Conditions: Canes listed in salvage condition should be considered part only canes. Canes in these conditions are only being sold for parts. If a collector is looking for a specific knob or badge for canes in their collections they should look for canes in salvageable condition.