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Proton therapy, also known as proton radiotherapy, is a type of radiation therapy to treat cancer and noncancerous tumours. Instead of using X-rays such as traditional radiation therapy, proton therapy uses energy from positively charged particles known as protons to send beams of high energy to the tumors. It is newer, advanced, and highly precise so it causes less radiation to surrounding healthy tissue. However, it cannot treat every type of cancer.
During the procedure, you will be positioned on a table and your body will be held by cushions and restraints. Proton therapy can be performed in two ways, with a machine that rotates around you or with a machine that does not move. If you undergo proton therapy with a machine that rotates around you, you will be placed on a table, gently slid into the spherical opening of the machine, and the machine will rotate around you to direct proton beams, but if you undergo proton therapy with a machine that does not move, your table will move instead of the proton therapy machine. No anaesthesia is involved during the procedure since it is painless.
You may need to stay in the hospital for about 8 days after the surgery, but you should aim to stay in Belgium for at least 14 more days. If you undergo therapy, your length of stay is determined by the number of cycles needed for your case.
Most people can resume their normal activities straight after the procedure, including returning to work and exercise. However, you can rest for the day if you feel the need to since radiation therapy can make you feel drained of energy.
Your doctor will likely tell you of any restrictions or diet to follow, which will depend on your specific case. You may notice skin redness similar to sunburn around the affected area, your doctor should tell you how to care for this. You may need to attend a periodic imaging test to see how the treatment is affecting the tumour.
The success rate for proton therapy depends on your condition and the time you get the therapy, the earlier you get treatment the higher the success rate is. In general, proton therapy has an 82% success rate. There are some side effects and risks that come with the procedure, including sore skin, hair loss in the treatment area, fatigue, headaches, as well as eating, mouth, and digestion problems.
If you do not want to undergo proton therapy or you are not an ideal candidate for the procedure, you can consider surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, or traditional radiation therapy. Make sure to consult your doctor which one is best for you.
After proton therapy, you may be able to enjoy your life as you used to as your symptoms will be relieved. The risk of cancerous tumours spreading to other areas of your body will also greatly reduce and your survival rate may be increased significantly after the procedure.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Belgium is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in Europe and has some of Europe’s finest cuisine, including the creamiest chocolates and a wide variation of beers. In addition, it is home to extensive beaches, postcard-worthy dunes, historic cities, and beautiful countryside, with belfries, castles, and carnivals. Belgium has enjoyed a growing reputation for being excellent medical tourism as well as the country boasts immaculate clinical standards. The medical centers in the country offer a wide range of specializes treatments, short waiting time, highly-trained medical professionals, and considerably lower medical costs. Orthopedics and heart surgery are the most sought after procedures in Belgium.
Brussels is the capital of Belgium, as well as home to European Union official seats and NATO headquarters. Here, visitors can see Europe’s grandest squares, visit the beloved statue of a little boy peeing into a basin (Manneken Pis), explore Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts, and admire the magnificent Grand Palace. Bruges, a pickled Gothic city, is also worth a visit. The key attractions in the city are the 14th-century town hall, the Cathedral of the Holy Savior, and the Belfry Tower. Other popular cities include Antwerp and Ghent. While Antwerp is famous for its fashion and excellent museums, Ghent is best known for its historic quarter and stunning Van Eyck altarpiece in its colossal cathedral.
Belgium has four distinct seasons. Summer in the country is relatively short, starting in July and ending in August. The season is warm, with bearable heat and some intermittent rain. Winter comes in November and extends until March. It can get rather wet and chilly during this season, with an average temperature of around 3 - 7°C. Spring (April – June) and autumn (September – October) are generally nice and warm, with an average temperature of around 10 - 15°C.
The main international airport in Belgium is Brussels Airport. It serves flights to many major cities around the world, including Copenhagen, Doha, London, New York, Atlanta, Casablanca, and Bangkok. Since Belgium is a small country, there are no domestic flights. The public transport system in the country is extremely well-organized and reasonably priced. The best way to get around the country is by train. The trains are affordable, fast, frequent, very punctual, and have a comprehensive network of lines. Buses tend to be used in conjunction with train services, so you will likely need a train-bus combination when traveling, especially to rural areas. Inside cities, the transport systems are centered on buses, but there are also metro and trams in Brussels and Antwerp. Taxis are plentiful in all cities and ensure to hire metered official taxis, which have standard fares.
Belgium is part of the Schengen Area, so nationals of EU/EEA countries do not need a visa to visit the country regardless of their length of stay or purpose of travels. Citizens of 62 countries, including Canadian, Australian, and US nationals, can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days. Belgium Visa for Medical reasons is available for people who need to obtain medical care in the country.