Mesothelioma FAQ

As in other cancer treatments, radiation therapy is a popular method for the treatment of mesothelioma . The therapy is either used singly, or in combination with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery.

The main principle of radiation therapy is to introduce radiation into particular spots of the body in order to kill the cancerous tumors that are being targeted. In pleural mesothelioma particularly, the radiotherapists will try to pass the radiations at several points on the chest. The projectiles used for the radiotherapy can be an element such as cobalt, particles such as neutrons, or energy radiations such as X-rays and photons. This has better effects in controlling pleural mesothelioma, but care must be taken to protect the delicate organs of the chest. Radiation therapy is not used quite frequently in peritoneal mesothelioma, but it is used before a surgical procedure in order to mitigate the proliferation of the cancer.

There are different methods in which radiation therapy is conducted in mesothelioma:

• Internal radiation therapy, in which radiation is directly passed through thin and slender plastic tubes, wires or catheters that are introduced quite close to the tumor. Sometimes needles are also used. Really this means chemicals that produce radiation are placed directly into the site of the mesothelioma cancer. This method is not often used for mesothelioma treatment
• External radiation therapy, in which a special radiation triggering machine is used to direct a beam of radiation into the area close to the tumor. New technology delivers radiotherapy in a way that minimizes contact with other tissue. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a three-dimensional therapy. A computer-driven machine delivers radiation as it moves around the patient. The machine shapes the beams, aims them from several angles, and adjusts the strength of the beams. IMRT is available at many hospitals and cancer treatment centers.

Uses of Radiation Therapy in Mesothelioma

The main purpose of radiation therapy is to reduce the extent of the signs and symptoms of the mesothelioma. It is effective in reducing the pain that the disease causes, and also reduces the problems people find with breathing. Radiation therapy is also popularly used in the postoperative condition. If used like that, the main purpose of the radiation therapy is to keep away the recurrence of cancer.

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy in Mesothelioma

Being the very beneficial treatment method it is, radiation therapy is not without its side effects. The common side effects of radiation therapy are as follows:-

• Radiation therapy will destroy the cells present in the hair follicles. That is the reason why people who have undergone a radiation therapy will lose hair in the area where the radiations have been passed, and will gradually begin to lose hair all over the body.
• Fatigue and tiredness is a very common side effect of radiation therapy.
• The body might persistently feel stiff, and there might be sores in various places of the body.
• People might lose their appetite and find it difficult to swallow their food. In some cases, even digestive problems such as constipation might occur.
• Several problems of the skin might make their occurrence. Some of the more common ones are rash on the skin, and an occurrence of a condition that looks like hives.

But it is most important to know that if the radiation therapy is not done under the guidance of a qualified therapist, there are many dangers involved. Radiation in a placed incorrectly can kill healthy tissue, and it can even impair the functioning of vital organs.

by MesotheliomaFaq.org Assistant