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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 Portugal 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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Portugal is a country located in southwestern Europe. It’s one of the oldest nation-states of Europe and the world. Its territory had been continuously invaded, settled, and fought over since prehistoric times. Today, the country has become a major tourist destination, with its architecturally stunning cities, cobblestone villages, medieval castles, great food, stunning beaches, and incredible weather. Besides its beauty, Portugal is also attracting people from all around the world for its healthcare. The country offers a combination of state-of-the-art private medical centers, with spotless facilities and private rooms, a wide range of procedures, with very short waiting lists, as well as highly trained patient-oriented medical teams who are fluent in different languages. The physicians in this country have been trained by high standard medical schools, where just top and talented students are allowed to attend.
Lisbon is the capital and the largest city in Portugal. This city is filled with friendly people, history, mystique, and amazing food. Explore its many beautiful churches, listen to Fado, take a trip to the Castle of St. Jorge, see Sintra, and have some fun in one of its nightclubs. Another popular destination is Batalha, which is home to the UNESCO-listed Batalha Monastery. The monastery was build from 1386 to 1517 and is known as the greatest Gothic masterpieces in Europe. Those who want to party or soak up the sun should visit Lagos, while those who love to wander around and visit museums should visit Porto. Both of these cities are popular and fascinating.
International tourists usually arrive at Lisbon Airport. It is a hub for low-cost airlines EasyJet and Ryanair, and it serves flights to numerous cities around the world. To get around Portugal, trains and buses are very efficient. While trains are often cheaper, buses are usually quicker. Taxis are available in almost every city and are relatively cheap.
Since Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, citizens of 62 countries, including the US, Australia, the UAE, and Canada, are allowed to visit without a visa for up to 90 days. Citizens of most other countries are required to obtain a Schengen visa to visit the country.
From March to May it is spring and the weather is pleasant but there will likely be some heavy rain. Summer, is from June to mid-September, can be scorching hot with temperatures rising to mid 30oC. Autumn, starts from mid-September to December and it brings colder temperatures but and an increased chance of rain. Winter can get quite cold and the days are shorter and always expect rain and storms during this season.