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Chemistry Applications Essay

Chemistry 1 Honors Mr. Ceccarelli 4 January 2013 Radiation Therapy Cures for diseases, such as cancer, have led researchers to on an elusive chase for several years; and still the answer evades them today. However, doctors have come closer to a solution through radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy. This is when rays of radiation are targeted at a specific site to destroy cells and keep them from replicating. Palliative treatments also use radiation therapy to help alleviate symptoms of a disease. Currently, about 50% of cancer patients suffering from types of cancer, like skin or brain, will receive radiation therapy treatments. These types of cancers have malignant tumors in the body that a doctor can find and destroy through radiotherapy. Doctors have to be cautious when performing this procedure because the radiation rays can destroy healthy cells around the tumor as well. Due to the types of radiation waves used in this procedure there are several types of methods to treat a disease. Examples of the different techniques of treatment are External-beam Therapy, Internal Radiation, and Systemic Radiation Therapy.
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The two of the most common radiation waves used are X-rays and Gamma rays along with charged particles. They are considered to be radiation because they are ionizing particles, meaning that they have enough energy for electrons to break off from an atom. X-rays and Gamma Rays have a very high energy with frequencies of 100 billion billions Hertz. Their wavelengths usually measure about 1 million millionth of a meter therefore explaining the high frequency levels. Because of the large energy levels these rays possess, they are good for expelling a great amount of energy into a small area; making them good for radiation therapy. Alpha particles, Beta particles, and Gamma rays are the three types of ionizing radiation. Alpha particles have two protons and two neutrons making it a high-energy unit. When inserted into a tumorous mass the Alpha emitter Radium-226 is a good treatment for cancer. Beta particles are very small, only 549 millionths in mass. When they are emitted they are normally accompanied with Gamma rays. The Beta emitters Iodine-131, Phosphorus-32, Strontium-90, and Tritium are good for medical purposes. Gamma rays are the most energetic photons and have about 10,000 times more energy than visible light. X-rays and Gamma rays are similar though they differ in their origins. Where X-rays come from the electron shells around the nucleus, Gamma rays are created in the nucleus itself. Because they have no mass or charge they can pass through tissues and are good for cancer treatment. Gamma emitters that are beneficial in treating health problems are cesium-137,cobalt-60, and technetium-99m.

In conclusion radiation therapy is a valuable tool in the battle against diseases. Yet, even though it is helpful it can also prove to be harmful if not used correctly. Radiation is very dangerous and has to be monitored correctly. One thing to keep in mind is that when radioactive waves destroy a cell, the high-energy waves are mutating the DNA using charged particles. Once the cell is damaged it dies and is destroyed through apoptosis and other natural processes. Some organs and systems can be completely destroyed through radioactive waves. Where reproductive organs are very susceptible to damage, bones are more resistant and will not suffer the same effects that the reproductive organs would. Radiation therapy is a method of treatment that will be continued to be studied for many years yet to come. Works Cited Page "Cancer Radiation Therapy." __#|LifeExtension__.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Jan. 2013. "Ionizing & Non-Ionizing Radiation." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 23 Dec. 2012. "Radiation Therapy." Stanford.edu. Stanford Medicine, n.d. Web. 23 Dec. 2012. "Radiation Therapy for Cancer." Cancer.gov. National Cancer Institute, n.d. Web. 03 Jan. 2013.