Radiation treatments are commonly used to treat cancerous tumors. Explain why the radiation for these treatments come in many different beams from many different directions toward the body instead of just one beam aimed toward the tumor.

Question

aaronq · Answer

maybe it has to do the depth the type of radiation penetrates, as in very shallow.

anonymous · Answer

The book said "Prolonged exposure to radon-222 can lead to lung cancer." Is this relevant?

aaronq · Answer

is that the type of radiation used in cancer therapy?

anonymous · Answer

The book only mentions that it can cause cancer.

aaronq · Answer

hmm weird. according to this site all radiation used in therapy is very penetrating so my hypothesis goes out the window. http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/treatmenttypes/radiation/radiationtherapyprinciples/radiation-therapy-principles-types-of-radiation

anonymous · Answer

Do you think it would be because the cancer cells are in more than just the central location of the tumor, therefore, it needs to be covered in more than just one area?

aaronq · Answer

that seems logical

anonymous · Answer

thanks! :D

aaronq · Answer

no problem! I'm not entirely sure thats the answer they're looking for, but its definitely a factor.