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Radiation treatments are a commonplace approach for mesothelioma cancers. This treatment consists of high level x-rays to kill cancer cells within a certain area of the patients’ body. The goal is to focus the beam on only one affected spot. These treatments don’t hurt. It’s like getting an x-ray only it’s not over quite as quickly.
Sometimes, when the patient is too weak for surgery, a radioactive material can be given directly into the chest or abdomen via radiation therapy. It’s often combined with surgery to kill cancerous cells. The decision to use radiation treatment or not is decided by the medical team on the basis of what’s the best thing for the patient.
Radiation therapy does come with some side effects. The most common of these are: exhaustion, and skin changes. Depending on where the radiation is being concentrated there can be other side effects. An example would be abdominal radiation; side effects could include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. A good medical team will make the patient aware of all possible side effects prior to starting treatment. If you are unsure, make use you talk to you physician and get your questions answered.
These treatments generally will be given in hospital although some cases can be treated in an outpatient basis. In all cases, the treatments will be closely monitored.
There are several advantages to radiation therapy.
Is it the right treatment for you? Only you, your family and medical team can make that decision. As always understand the options thoroughly before making any decision.