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Two cancer treatments that can cause tissue damage and their impact

Published on Mar 15, 2024
This is an edited excerpt from the following course: Foundations of Oncology Massage

Question

What are the two cancer treatments that can cause tissue damage, and how do they impact the body?

Answer

The two cancer treatments that can cause tissue damage are surgery and radiation. Surgery involves creating incisions, which can vary in depth and quantity, sometimes leaving only small scars on the surface but impacting deep within the body. Radiation, on the other hand, affects everything in its range, from the skin to muscles, fascia, nerves, lymphatic vessels, and organs. It has entry and exit points, impacting tissues three-dimensionally. While radiation may cause visible effects like radiation dermatitis on the skin, the damage beneath the surface, such as to muscles, fascia, and lymphatic vessels, is not visible but can have significant consequences. Both treatments require careful consideration when providing massage therapy due to the depth of their impact on the body.

  • Janet Penny

    RMT

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