Radiotherapy (also known as radiation therapy) is the use of radiations in high doses to kill or shrink the cancer cells or stop the spread of cancer. Radiotherapy may also be given to cure some symptoms due to cancer. Radiations can also be used in a low dose in x-rays of teeth or bones.

No, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are not the same. Radiotherapy makes use of radiations of high intensity to kill the cancer cells. On the other hand, chemotherapy is used to treat cancer or diseases with medicines.

No, it is not a painful treatment. However, sometimes your doctor may give you anesthesia to avoid the discomfort caused by the procedure. Radiotherapy may be used to cure pain caused by certain cancers.

Radiotherapy destroys the cancer cells using high intensity radiations. While destroying the cancer cells, it also destroys your normal cells. The side effects of radiotherapy are as follows: nausea and vomiting; loss of hair; tiredness; skin reactions; fever and chills; dryness of mouth; sore mouth; and reduced appetite.

A single radiotherapy session lasts for ten to fifteen minutes. Each session is once a day session. This treatment goes on several weeks. If you are taking radiotherapy to relieve symptoms, you may need shorter duration sessions.