Radiotherapy is a mesothelioma treatment option of using neutrons, X-rays or gamma rays to attack tumors. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, your treatment options may include any of these types of radiation.
There are two basic types of radiotherapy. One is called an internal treatment because radiation is applied inside the body. Also known as implant therapy or interstitial radiation, this treatment involves the implantation of radioactive isotopes in the body near the cancer cells. The radiation destroys the cancer. A different type of internal radiation therapy is systemic radiotherapy where a radioactive substance is placed in the body and allowed to circulate rather than sitting in one place.
External radiation therapy is what many people first think of when regarding treatment options for mesothelioma or other types of cancer therapy. Radiation is applied to the body using a machine to focus a collimated beam on a specific section. Mesothelioma Doctors sometimes refer to this process as external radiotherapy beam.
Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the patient and the nature and location of the disease. Some types of mesothelioma may require treatment with surgery and radiation. There are several types of surgery intended to relieve discomfort or remove blockages that can not successfully remove the entire growth. A good example of such a procedure is pleurectomy. This operation is intended to remove as much of a tumor or potential growth in the abdominal wall or chest. Complete removal may not be possible; in these cases, your mesothelioma options could include recommendations for both radiation therapy and surgery.
If your doctor prescribes radiation therapy mesothelioma, you may be warned of the possible side effects which can include fertility problems, diarrhea, lack of appetite and other symptoms. Many of the side effects depend on where your radiotherapy is applied; you do not automatically develop any of these symptoms simply because you are having radiotherapy.
must be given a full briefing on all the possible side effects of radiotherapy, including a list of common symptoms. Some are common - irritation at the site of the radiation, swelling or fluid buildup. You may experience nausea during treatment and some doctors advise their patients of mesothelioma to not eat for a few hours before treatment.
Some side effects should be reported immediately. If you experience shortness of breath, cough or difficulty swallowing, report them to your doctor immediately mesothelioma. Some radiotherapy patients may experience shortness of breath as a "delayed effect". Patients receiving radiation therapy to the breast or lungs then may have scarring or stiffness in the lungs, preventing achieve a full measure of air.
radiotherapy in the stomach area may require special arrangements for the duration of treatment. You may need to avoid the fiber, begin a clear liquid diet, or avoid dairy products. In these cases, doctors strongly recommend careful planning diets to maximize the value of the food you eat so that your body remains as strong as possible during treatment.
