Final answer:
External radiation therapy is also known as External Beam Therapy (EBT), which includes photon and proton therapy, a non-invasive treatment targeting cancer cells with radiation while sparing surrounding tissue.
Step-by-step explanation:
External Radiation Therapy
Another name for external radiation therapy is External Beam Therapy (EBT), which includes specialized forms such as photon therapy and proton therapy. EBT employs a high-energy radiation beam, generated by devices like a linear accelerator, to target and destroy cancer cells within a tumor. Unlike internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy, which introduces radioactive substances into the body, EBT is delivered from outside the body, reducing exposure to non-cancerous tissues.
Photon beams are commonly used, but proton therapy is also significant for its precision, especially valuable in sensitive areas like the eye, skull base, or spine. By using diagnostic imaging such as CT scans and precise alignment with tattoos and lasers, therapists ensure that the maximum dose of radiation is delivered to the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.